What do you check when performing a head to toe assessment?
What do you check when performing a head to toe assessment?
The Order of a Head-to-Toe Assessment
- General Status. Vital signs.
- Head, Ears, Eyes, Nose, Throat. Observe color of lips and moistness.
- Neck. Palpate lymph nodes.
- Respiratory. Listen to lung sounds front and back.
- Cardiac. Palpate the carotid and temporal pulses bilaterally.
- Abdomen. Inspect abdomen.
- Pulses.
- Extremities.
How do you assess general appearance?
Patient assessment commences with assessing the general appearance of the patient. Use observation to identify the general appearance of the patient which includes level of interaction, looks well or unwell, pale or flushed, lethargic or active, agitated or calm, compliant or combative, posture and movement.
What are the characteristics of head to toe examination?
Head and Face
- Inspect skin characteristics.
- Inspect symmetry and external characteristics of eyes and ears.
- Inspect configuration of skull.
- Inspect and palpate scalp and hair for texture, distribution, and quantity of hair.
- Palpate facial bones.
- Palpate temporomandibular joint while patient opens and closes mouth.
How do you prepare for a head to toe assessment?
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Check room for contact precautions.
- Introduce yourself to the patient.
- Verify the patient’s identity by asking about their name and date of birth.
- Check for the right equipment.
- Explain the process to the patient.
- Ensure the patient’s privacy and dignity.
- Listen to the patient and their cues.
What is the order of physical assessment?
Order of physical assessment: Inspect, palpate, percuss, auscultate. EXCEPT for assessing the abdomen: Inspect, auscultate, percuss, palpate (to avoid altering bowel sounds).
