PERRL
Medical abbreviation · Nursing
| Stands for | Pupils equal, round, reactive to light |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
PERRL stands for Pupils equal, round, reactive to light, a nursing abbreviation.
Pupil finding used when light reflexes were checked but accommodation was not, which is the usual situation in sedated, confused or critically ill patients who cannot focus on a near target. It is more accurate than PERRLA for most bedside neuro checks.
Example: Hourly neuro checks: GCS 14, PERRL 4 mm brisk, no new deficits.
Usage notes
Many neurologists recommend PERRL over PERRLA unless near response was actually tested. Automated pupillometers can measure size and constriction speed and give a numeric reactivity score. Recording size in millimeters and speed of reaction (brisk, sluggish, fixed) conveys far more than the letters alone.
Related abbreviations
More nursing abbreviations
- NOC – Nursing Outcomes Classification
- NPO – Nil per os (nothing by mouth)
- NPWT – Negative pressure wound therapy
- OASIS – Outcome and Assessment Information Set
- OGT – Orogastric tube
- OOB – Out of bed
- PERRLA – Pupils equal, round, reactive to light and accommodation
- PI – Pressure injury
- PICC – Peripherally inserted central catheter
- PIV – Peripheral intravenous catheter
- QSEN – Quality and Safety Education for Nurses
- ROC – Resumption of care
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.