Question

When checking the lower extremities of a conscious patient for paralysis, what should the EMS provider do first?

1) Look for gross deformities and feel for crepitus
2) Feel for pedal pulses and crepitus
3) Touch the patient's feet and legs and ask the patient if he/she can feel the touch
4) Stick the patient lightly with a pin to see if there is feeling

Answer 1

The EMS provider should touch the patient's feet and legs and ask if they can feel it as the first step in checking for paralysis in the lower extremities.

Step-by-step explanation:

When checking the lower extremities of a conscious patient for paralysis, the first step an EMS provider should take is to touch the patient's feet and legs and ask if he/she can feel the touch. This simple and non-invasive test assesses for sensation and helps in determining the presence of neurological deficits. More invasive tests or tests that may cause discomfort, such as using a pin, should be avoided initially. The patient's ability to feel touch aids in diagnosing potential issues with the sensory systems between the spinal cord and the brain. To further evaluate proprioception and fine touch, the provider can use techniques like moving the patient's toes or fingers and asking if they can sense the movement.