Can someone help please

Published

I need to know what the 5 p's of assessment are. This is for a case study and the question is (what are the five p's that should guide the assessment of M.C.'s rt leg before & after surgery? this is a 82-year old widow that has a fractured hip.

Thanks a bunch

TB

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics Only.

Since its a homework assignment, understand that it would not be proper if someone answered the question for you. Post your thoughts and we will help steer you in the correct direction, but we @ allnurses dont want to do your homework for you.

Heres a hint: After surgery on a limb, there are the 5 "p"s that you should assess.

Why?

Well, think about what can happen after surgery?

Can the neurovascular status be compromised?

What would you want to check to assess for neurovascular compromise?

Check in the neurovascular section of your textbook - the 5 p's will be listed there, I promise!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I understand this. However this is what I have come up with so far I think it is

1. pulse

2. pain

3. paresthesia

4. pallor

5. paralysis

are these right?

Thank you

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics Only.

100% correct :)

1- the pulse should be the same before and after surgery. If not, it can indicate some type of compromise.

2. pain - pain is common, but unresolved pain can indicate damage, compartment syndrome, etc.

3. paresthesia - numbness is never good...

4-pallor - color is a great indicator as well. If the extremity is cool and pale, circulation obviously isnt very well and needs to be addressed asap.

5- paralysis - no need to explain, enough said right there- not good!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency.

While MeghanRN included extremity temp under pallor, we were taught to include "polar" as the 6th indicator of neurovascular status in this order:

1 pain

2 pulse

3 pallor

4 parathesia

5 paralysis

6 polar (cold)

I simply remembered it as the 5 p's and a c.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion