physical assessment

How to Conduct a Physical Assessment?

The process of conducting a physical assessment involves the following steps:
Preparation
Ensure a comfortable environment, gather necessary equipment (such as a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and thermometer), and explain the procedure to the patient to obtain consent.
Systematic Approach
Follow a head-to-toe approach to ensure that no body system is overlooked:
Head and Neck: Assess the head, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and neck for symmetry, lesions, and other abnormalities.
Thorax and Lungs: Inspect, palpate, and auscultate the chest for respiratory rate, rhythm, and breath sounds.
Cardiovascular System: Evaluate heart sounds, pulses, and capillary refill.
Abdomen: Inspect, auscultate, palpate, and percuss the abdomen to assess bowel sounds and organ size.
Musculoskeletal System: Assess muscle strength, joint movement, and skeletal structure.
Neurological System: Evaluate mental status, cranial nerves, reflexes, and motor and sensory function.

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