Acute Kidney Injury Formerly known as acute renal failure, acute kidney injury (AKI) is a reversible rapid reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) or kidney function, resulting in an increase in serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and metabolic waste...

Affirming Care for LGBTQ+ Patients A 2021 Gallup update on lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) identification found 5.6% of U.S. adults identify as LGBT (Jones, 2021). This population has complex health needs and experience health disparities such as higher rates of...

Amenorrhea The menstrual cycle is an important indicator of a female’s health. Disruptions of this cycle are a common complaint seen by both women’s health and primary care providers. Amenorrhea is the absence of menses and can occur for a...

Breast Assessment Focused breast assessment in males and females alike begins with taking a health history. While doing so, observe carefully for nonverbal cues of discomfort or pain. Order of examination is performed as inspection and palpation. Explain the...

Cardiac Assessment Focused cardiovascular assessment begins with taking a health history. While doing so, observe carefully for signs of inadequate perfusion or circulation, such as cyanosis or skin changes. Order of examination is performed as inspection...

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is caused by compression of the median nerve along the carpal tunnel with symptoms such as numbness, tingling, hand and arm pain, and muscle dysfunction (Kothari, 2021a). CTS is a common disorder affecting...

Chronic Kidney Disease Previously known as chronic renal failure, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive, irreversible loss of kidney function resulting in reduced filtration, build-up of toxins, and fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Continued decline in kidney...

Cranial Nerves The brain is in continuous communication with almost all the cranial nerves (CN) through the spinal cord. The cranial nerves arise directly from the brain – the first two nerves arising from the cerebrum and the remaining ten emerging from...

Digital Rectal Exam Digital rectal examination begins with taking a health history, while ensuring privacy. While doing so, observe carefully for nonverbal cues of pain or discomfort. Obtain consent for the examination and secure a chaperone. Order of examination is...

Gastrointestinal Assessment The focused gastrointestinal system assessment begins with taking a health history. While doing so, observe carefully for signs of pain or discomfort. The order of examination is performed as inspection, auscultation, percussion, and light and...

General Assessment Focused general assessment begins with taking a health history regarding constitutional symptoms. This examination involves a general survey of the patient, measurement of vital signs, and pain assessment.Optimal Patient PositioningExamine the...

Head to Toe Assessment Organization is key to a good comprehensive head to toe assessment. A systematic approach will maximize the patient’s comfort, avoid unnecessary position changes, and enhance clinical efficiency. In general, a head-to-toe approach is the...