Which three components are assessed in a CMS check when splinting a limb?

Which three components are assessed in a CMS check when splinting a limb?

• A. Circulation, Motor-function, Sensation
• B. Circulation, Movement, Strength
• C. Circulation, Skin, Sensation
• D. Circulation, Motor, Size

Answer: (A)

When you splint a limb, you check CMS to quickly assess neurovascular status distal to the injury. Circulation looks at blood flow to the area—pulse presence, skin color and temperature, and capillary refill. Motor-function checks whether the patient can move the fingers or toes, indicating the integrity of motor nerves and muscles. Sensation tests the patient’s ability to feel touch or other stimuli, revealing sensory nerve function. Together, these three components ensure the limb isn’t compromised by the splint and that nerves and blood vessels are still functioning. Other options mix in terms that aren’t part of the standard CMS check, such as Movement or Strength, or include Skin or Size, which don’t directly address distal circulation, motor control, and sensation.

When you splint a limb, you check CMS to quickly assess neurovascular status distal to the injury. Circulation looks at blood flow to the area—pulse presence, skin color and temperature, and capillary refill. Motor-function checks whether the patient can move the fingers or toes, indicating the integrity of motor nerves and muscles. Sensation tests the patient’s ability to feel touch or other stimuli, revealing sensory nerve function. Together, these three components ensure the limb isn’t compromised by the splint and that nerves and blood vessels are still functioning.

Other options mix in terms that aren’t part of the standard CMS check, such as Movement or Strength, or include Skin or Size, which don’t directly address distal circulation, motor control, and sensation.