NURS 618 Saunders Med Surg Neuro Revised 2020 University of Pennsylvania Saunders Med Surg Neuro

The nurse is assessing the motor and sensory function of an unconscious client. The nurse should use which technique to test the client's peripheral response to pain? 1. Sternal rub 2. Nail bed pressure 3. Pressure on the orbital rim 4. Squeezing of the sternocleidomastoid muscle Answer: 2. Nail bed pressure Rationale: Nail bed pressure tests a basic motor and sensory peripheral response. Cerebral responses to pain are tested using a sternal rub, placing upward pressure on the orbi...