Physical Assessment Paper

In this paper, the importance of a physical assessment will be discussed as well as what it is. A physical assessment is a systematic collection of objective information. It's, usually, conducted in a head-to-toe sequence or a system sequence but can be adapted to meet the needs of the patient. It is often necessary to modify the order, positions, and specific assessments based on the patient's age, energy level, cognitive and physical state, as well as time constraints. Even when modified, the physical assessment should be conducted in an organized and knowledgeable manner (Taylor, Lillis, 2011, pg. 562). When conducting an accurate rate, physical assessment takes time and practice. There are so many parts to a physical assessment but for …show more content…
These techniques are often used in this sequence because by not doing so, could cause an individual/ patient more harm than good. Inspection, the first technique, is the process of performing deliberate, purposeful observations in an order (Taylor, Lillis, 2011, pg. 566). Here, the nurse will observe visually but also with hearing and smelling, to gather information throughout the survey. The nurse while inspecting the patient should look for the texture, color, and moisture of the body's surface. Each area of the body is inspected for size, color, shape, position, and symmetry, noting normal findings and any deviations from what's considered normal. Then after the inspection part, would be …show more content…
The hands and fingers are sensitive tools that can be used to assess skin temperature, turgor, texture, and moisture, as well as the vibrations within the body (such as the heart), and shape or structures within the body (like the bones) (Taylor, Lillis, 2011, pg. 566). Certain parts of the hand are more efficient when it comes to assessing others. The dorsum, or back of the hand, and fingers are used for gross measures and temperature. An example of this would be if an individual placed the back of their hand on the patient's forehead to feel if they felt hot or normal body temperature. The top of the hand, also called the palmar, the surface of the fingers and finger pads are used to determine texture, shape, fluid, size, consistency, and pulsation. The nurse's hands should be warm, and the fingernails short when palpating to keep from scratching the patient. This is also good to remember that when palpating any area of tenderness, it should be palpated last. There are different types of palpation that may be used. They are light (when you apply pressure with the fingers together reducing the skin and underlying structures less than 1 cm.), moderate (done by depressing the skin surface 1 to 2 cm.), or deep (pressing inward about 2 cm.). Deep palpation should be used cautiously and experienced only by practitioners because it carries a risk of internal