nailbed pressure

[gasmaster]

Ok, here's a pet peeve of mine. Once again, today, I walked into the unit (I'm a neurosurgical program coordinator, many years CC, CNRN) that I supervise and found a nurse using nailbed pressure to check response. I talked to her about it and she said that in the critical care internship at her previous hospital they taught her this. I went on to explain to her the differnce between central stimuli (trap squeeze, sternal rub, and periorbital pressure) and peripheral stimuli (nailbed). She really understood well and know if proficient in knowing how to test central and is no longer (thank goodness) abusing her patients nailbeds. I was just wondering if any of you are experiencing this same issue: the old method of nailbed pressure vs. true central stimuli.

[castens]

yep. I usually use: show me two fingers (however im not even picky on which two)...I

...and when you get the "double bird" you know that they are definitely following commands (and probably ready to extubate, for that matter).

[Keepstanding, ASN, RN]

anyone point to a website that shows these different techniques (trap squeeze, periorbital,etc)? i do very little severe neuro so i'm not familiar.

thanks!

yes, i am quite interested in how these techniques are done too. please share !

thanks ~ praiser