CMS-Circulation, Motion, Sensation

For example, if a pt. has a cast placed proximally you would want to assess neurovascular function which would include circulation and not color. Whether or not the fingers have capillary refill or if a pulse is present distal to the cast, or in the case that someone has trauma and you are doing a neurovascular assessment to make sure they are not developing compartment syndrome. In which case color and temperature are moot points, you would be testing for circulation first. However, if the extremity was cyanotic and cold to touch this is indicative that circulation is impaired, but the hospitals I've worked at it was related directly to circulation (ie. if pulses are present or not and the grade of the pulses if palpable or heard via doppler or capillary refill being

(for restraint application): "CMTS intact in all 4 extremities distal to restraint application; pt able to move fingers with full ROM of bilateral wrists and bilateral feet; unable to abduct arms and legs secondary to restraint application, no c/o pain or irritation at restraint site per pt."

(for right shoulder injury): "CMTS intact distal to R shoulder injury with CMTS equal in bliateral upper extremities".

(for right forearm fx): "CMTS compromised in R forearm distal to injury site; color pale, decreased ROM, skin cool, and decreased sensation noted in affected extremity when compared to L arm".

(for R leg cellulitis): "CMTS altered in R lower extremity: skin reddened, decreased ROM noted, skin hot to touch; pt c/o altered sensation ("tingling") upon palpation, pedal pulses +2 bilaterally. CMTS intact in L lower extremity".

It is important to know in spinal cord injury, end organ perfusion/cap refill, circulation/occlusion. Cast application to ensure circulation is intact, compartment syndrome from swelling and injury, distal circulation after line placement or procedure sheath removla.

There are many resaons why you want to know if someon has a pulse, sensation and motion intact.

If you spell out the acronym, google returns the correct results.

irishferns said:

Way to help ArtClass ? I have read all that.We are on here to help each other. It is okay to share info and experience with your fellow nurses/ students! Come on, where's the love?

I couldn't have said it better myself. This is the forum for students to ask questions and come for help. While I advocate for students to show me their work first...I will bend over backwards to help anyone .