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...

HEENT Assessment Most physical assessments begin at the top with the head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat (HEENT) assessment. The patient is typically positioned sitting upright, allowing the examiner to systemically work down through each body system...

Integumentary Assessment The integumentary system includes the skin, hair and nails. Make sure there is adequate lighting and have the patient change into a gown. Have a small tape measure or magnifying glass available to measure or examine lesions more closely.

Male Genitourinary Assessment Focused male genitourinary assessment begins with taking a health history with as much privacy as possible. While doing so, observe carefully for signs of pain or discomfort, and nonverbal cues such as guarding. Obtain consent for the examination...

Melanoma Melanoma is a malignant tumor, typically of the skin, that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Melanomas often begin as small, harmless-looking lesions with irregular borders, which progress to irregularly hyperpigmented...

Musculoskeletal Assessment Focused musculoskeletal assessment begins with a thorough health history. While doing so, observe carefully for signs of pain or discomfort. Order of examination is performed as inspection, palpation, range of motion, and special maneuvers. The...

Nutritional Assessment The nutritional assessment is often integrated into the health history and physical examination. It provides information about nutritional deficiencies, such as malnutrition, undernutrition or obesity.Initial Assessment of Nutritional Status...

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) The American Psychiatric Association (2022) describes posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a “psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, series of events or set of circumstances. An...

Pulmonary Assessment Focused pulmonary assessment begins with a thorough health history. While doing so, carefully observe for conversational dyspnea and other symptoms. Order of examination is performed as inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.Optimal...

Quick Guide to Laboratory Values Use this convenient cheat-sheet to help you monitor laboratory values related to fluid and electrolyte status, acid-base balance and hematology. Remember, normal value ranges may vary according to techniques used in different laboratories.  

Recognizing and Managing Adult Viral Infections Adult viral illnesses are on the rise in a post-pandemic season. Cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza have increased with the loosening of COVID mitigation strategies, resuming of social interactions as well as reduced masking...

Recognizing and Managing Influenza In the northern hemisphere, the typical influenza (flu) season starts as early as October and can last until May, affecting individuals in all age groups, with the highest rates of infection among children. There are 4 types of influenza viruses...