During neurovascular assessment after a musculoskeletal injury, which item is NOT typically included?

• A. Evaluating distal pulses
• B. Assessing motor function
• C. Assessing sensation
• D. Evaluating proximal pulses

Answer: (D)

Neurovascular assessment focuses on the limb distal to the injury and how well its blood flow and nerves are functioning. Checking distal pulses shows whether arterial blood is reaching the far end of the limb, which helps detect compromised circulation from swelling or injury. Assessing motor function tests the nerves’ ability to control movement, indicating nerve integrity. Assessing sensation checks the sensory nerves for numbness or tingling that would signal nerve involvement. Proximal pulses aren’t part of this routine because they don’t tell you about the distal perfusion or nerve status of the injured area. The goal is to identify problems in the limb beyond the injury, not proximal to it.