2. How does anatomical knowledge aid in performing physical assessments?
Knowledge of anatomy allows nurses to accurately locate and assess various body parts. For example:
Palpating the abdomen to detect tenderness, masses, or organomegaly. Auscultating lung sounds to identify abnormalities like crackles or wheezes. Assessing peripheral pulses to determine circulation status. Evaluating joint range of motion and muscle strength in musculoskeletal assessments.