When performing a neurologic assessment on an alert client, the nurse observes that the client’s pupils are both round, 3 mm in size, and respond briskly to light. Which notation should the nurse use when documenting the assessment?

Choice A rationale Pupils equal, round, and reactive to light (PERRL) accurately summarizes the findings of the pupillary assessment. It indicates that both pupils are equal in size, round in shape, and react briskly to light, which is a normal finding. Choice B rationale Documenting “neurological status intact” is too vague and does not specifically describe the pupillary assessment findings. Choice C rationale Pupils equal, round, reactive to light, and accommodation (PERLA) includes an additional assessment of accommodation, which was not mentioned in the scenario. Choice D rationale The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 15 is a general assessment of consciousness and does not specifically describe the pupillary findings.