Perform a Physical Assessment
Medical personnel, such as doctors, nurses and paramedics, perform physical assessments to help determine the overall health of a patient as well as medical complications or conditions. Physical assessments may entail a patient interview and head-to-toe exam. Assessment technique may vary based on what the health care provider is looking for, such as injuries sustained during an accident and the medical condition of the patient. Basic physical assessment steps can be taken, however, to gather information about a patient's condition in any situation.
Instructions
1. Ask the patient if he is having any health concerns. Ask appropriate questions to gather additional information based on his answer. Visualize the patient as you speak to her. Assess the overall appearance of the patient.
2. Assess the patient's head and neck. Look in her ears and mouth, and check pupils with a pen light. Visualize teeth and gums, and inspect the throat.
3. Assess the extremities, including finger and toe nails. Check pulses in the extremities. Assess grip strength in the hands. Perform a neurological check, if warranted.
4. Listen to heart sounds with a stethoscope, and determine pulse rate and quality. Listen to lung sounds and assess respiratory sounds, quality and effort.
5. Palpate the patient's abdomen. Listen to abdominal sounds with a stethoscope, if appropriate. Assess the patient's back and spine.
Tags: Assess patient, Perform Physical, Perform Physical Assessment, sounds with, sounds with stethoscope, with stethoscope
