Sharp and dull sensation assessment is completed using a paperclip. The rounded edge is used for “dull” sensation, the pointed edge is used for “sharp” sensation.
- Explain to the client what you will be doing and why you will be doing it. Say: “A ______ injury can affect how a person feels things. I would like to check how you are feeling things by touching you on your arms and hands.”
- Show the client the paperclip. Instruct them to say ‘sharp’ or ‘dull’ when they feel the sensation. Say: “I am going to be using this paperclip. When you feel it, tell me if it is sharp or dull”
- Demonstrate both the dull and sharp ends of the paperclip on yourself. Say: “I am going to touch you like this. (With rounded end) This is dull. I am going to touch you like this. (With pointed end) This is sharp.”
- Demonstrate on patient’s less involved side with visual input. Say: “I am going to touch you like this.”
- Assess patient’s less involved side with vision occluded. Test random stimuli in random locations 10 times. Say: ” Now, I am going to do the same thing but so that you cannot see when I touch you.”
- Assess patient’s more involved side with vision occluded. Test random stimuli in random locations 10 times. Say: “Now, I am going to do the same thing on the other side.”
- Document results of the assessment as intact, impaired or absent as identified ___ out of 10 stim correctly. Ex: “Impaired as identified 6 of 10 stim correctly.”
(Gett & Romaniw, 2021)
References
Gett, M., & Romaniw, A. (2021, October 19). Sensory deficits [PowerPoint slides]. Brightspace. https://mylearning.chatham.edu/d2l/le/content/21252/Home
Morton, M. (Photographer). (2021). Paperclip [Photograph].
Occupational Therapy Assessments 