In neurovascular assessment of an injured limb, PMS stands for

• A. Pulse, Motion, Sensation
• B. Pulse, Motor, Sensation
• C. Pressure, Movement, Sensation
• D. Pulmonary, Muscle, Symmetry

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to quickly evaluate both blood flow and nerve function in a limb after injury. PMS stands for Pulse, Motor, Sensation. Checking pulses confirms that distal blood flow is present, which is crucial to prevent ischemia. Testing motor function shows whether the motor nerves to the limb are intact (ask the patient to move the toes or fingers or resist movement). Assessing sensation verifies sensory nerve integrity (touch or pinprick sensation in the toes or fingers). Together, these three components help identify vascular compromise or nerve injury that could threaten the limb, guiding urgent care if any part is impaired.

The other terms are less precise for this assessment. Motion is similar but not the standard term used for nerve function in this context; pressure and pulmonary aren’t part of this neurovascular check.