Final answer:
In a focused neurologic assessment for a stroke patient, a nurse would include mental status, cranial nerve, motor and sensory, and coordination and gait exams to identify the impact on CNS function and guide treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse conducting a focused neurologic assessment for a patient who had a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke would include several components to evaluate the extent of neurological function impacted by the stroke. This assessment would typically consist of:
- The mental status exam to evaluate higher cerebral functions such as memory, language, and emotion.
- The cranial nerve exam to test the function of cranial nerves, assessing connections to the CNS through the forebrain and brain stem.
- Sensory and motor exams to evaluate functions related to the spinal cord, as well as reflected in spinal reflexes.
- The coordination exam and gait analysis to assess cerebellar function in coordinated movements.
Through these sections of the exam, the healthcare provider focuses on identifying which abilities the patient may have lost and determining the location of the injury within the central nervous system. This rapid assessment is critical in an emergency as it guides immediate treatment plans and can influence the patient's recovery extent.