PERRLA
Medical abbreviation · Nursing
| Stands for | Pupils equal, round, reactive to light and accommodation |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
PERRLA stands for Pupils equal, round, reactive to light and accommodation, a nursing abbreviation.
Normal pupil finding: both pupils are the same size, circular, constrict when light is shone into either eye, and constrict when the eyes focus on a near object. It is part of every neurological and head-to-toe nursing assessment.
Example: Neuro: A&Ox4, PERRLA 3 mm, moves all extremities, speech clear.
Usage notes
Variants include PERRL (accommodation not tested), PEARL and PERLA. Charting PERRLA without testing near focus is a common documentation error. Pupil size is recorded in millimeters; unequal or sluggish pupils can signal raised intracranial pressure, stroke or drug effects, although roughly one person in five has a small harmless difference in pupil size.
Related abbreviations
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- PERRL – Pupils equal, round, reactive to light
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.