Abnormal findings are charted as a chain — finding, severity, comparison to baseline, the risk it creates, and the skilled action taken.
New or progressing loss of light touch or protective sensation versus baseline — increasing the risk of silent injury and ulceration.
Loss of protective sensation to the monofilament with a new foot lesion — high-risk for limb loss (route to Wounds).
Sudden sensory loss, or a new focal deficit with weakness or other neurologic signs — concerning for stroke or spinal-cord pathology (route to Neurological).
Saddle (perineal) anesthesia with new bowel or bladder dysfunction — concerning for cauda equina syndrome.
Rapidly ascending sensory loss with weakness — concerning for an acute polyneuropathy such as Guillain-Barré syndrome.
New proprioceptive loss — increasing fall risk, especially in the dark (cross-reference Safety).
An unnoticed burn, abrasion, or pressure injury in an insensate area — evidence the protection plan has failed.
New or worsening painful neuropathic symptoms — affecting function and requiring management.
