the six ps of neurovascular assessment a neurovascular assessment which is also called a circ check is performed to determine if there is an adequate circulation and sensation to an extremity here are the six p's to neurovascular assessment pain pain is the universal symptom in compartment syndrome it may be related to edema movement of bone fragments or muscle spasms and it increases as the pressure within the limb compartment rises pain is represented by the pain bolt paresthesia paresthesia is often the first sign of an impending problem described as the pins and needles sensation that may include numbness or tingling as a result of inadequate circulation it may also be a sign of nerve damage and professing compartment syndrome paresthesia is represented by the paris t-shirt for pins and needles pulse pulses should be compared for differences in rate and quality on both the unaffected and injured extremity a diminished or absent pulse distal to the injury may indicate vascular dysfunction and insufficiency and should be reported immediately to the provider pulse is represented by the heart timer pallor pallor refers to the color of the extremity pink pale cyanotic and should be assessed along with temperature hot warm cool cold against the unaffected side pale shiny skin distal to the injury may indicate compartment syndrome while a warm cyanotic extremity may point to a poor venous return pallor is represented by the pail with pallor pressure increased pressure may indicate compartment syndrome and is related to swelling within the cavity depending on the severity this may result in a feeling of numbness or a loss of sensation in the extremity or cause severe pain pressure is represented by the pressure cooker paralysis partial or full loss of sensation of function may be a late sign of neurovascular damage the complete inability to move the limb distal to the injury may indicate compartment syndrome and significant muscle and nerve damage may be present paralysis is represented by the wheelchair so there you have a quick hit list of memorable characters to help you remember the six p's of neurovascular assessment need an easier way to help remember neurovascular assessment be sure to check out these and tons more inside picmonic