The CMS mnemonic is used to evaluate which three aspects?

• A. Circulation, Motor Function, Sensation
• B. Circulation, Respiratory, Temperature
• C. Movement, Balance, Sensation
• D. Circulation, Muscle Strength, Pain

Answer: (A)

The CMS mnemonic checks the neurovascular status of an injured limb by focusing on three key areas: Circulation, Motor function, and Sensation.

Circulation refers to whether blood is reaching the distal tissues, so you assess aspects like skin color and temperature, distal pulses, and capillary refill. Adequate circulation means tissues are receiving blood; absence or delay can signal vascular injury or compromise.

Motor function evaluates the limb’s ability to move, such as moving toes or fingers, which helps determine if nerves controlling movement are intact and if there’s any weakness or paralysis that could indicate nerve injury or spinal involvement.

Sensation checks whether the patient can feel touch or pain in the area, indicating sensory nerve integrity. Diminished or absent sensation suggests nerve injury or more serious damage.

Other options, like respiratory status, temperature, balance, or pain alone, aren’t part of this quick limb assessment, so they don’t fit the CMS framework. The mnemonic specifically targets circulation, motor function, and sensation to rapidly identify vascular or neural compromise in the limb.