Assessment: tricks of the trade...

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Specializes in Home Health, Hospice.

Hi,

Although I have found quite a bit of info on general assessments in my nursing texts, I was wondering if anyone could give me an idea of how they do a head to toe assessment. For instance, i am looking for a smooth routine to get into; i usually feel so clumsy and it just doesn't "flow'. Any suggestions wold be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

K-

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Specializes in ER, NICU, NSY and some other stuff.

Think literally head to toe.

Head eyes- PERRLA? drainage?

Mouth-Mucous membranes pink and moist?

LOC- alert, oriented? speech clear?

Chest- Lung sounds heart sounds? WOB?

etc......

if you think of it this way your assessment will flow and you won't miss anything.

Hope this helps.

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Specializes in Home Health, Hospice.
Think literally head to toe.

Head eyes- PERRLA? drainage?

Mouth-Mucous membranes pink and moist?

LOC- alert, oriented? speech clear?

Chest- Lung sounds heart sounds? WOB?

etc......

if you think of it this way your assessment will flow and you won't miss anything.

Hope this helps.

I appreciate your response. I do understand the elements in the assessment, I guess I am looking for some specific technique or open ended questions, time saving tips, etc.

thanks again!

K-

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Specializes in Med Surg, Hospice, Home Health.
Hi,

Although I have found quite a bit of info on general assessments in my nursing texts, I was wondering if anyone could give me an idea of how they do a head to toe assessment. For instance, i am looking for a smooth routine to get into; i usually feel so clumsy and it just doesn't "flow'. Any suggestions wold be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

K-

when I was in school I bought a video from springhouse for like $20 that had the head to toe assessment on it...worth the money...

also, that is why they call it "head to toe," and when you give report that way it helps things to flow smoothly...

atlantarn

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I just started assessments in clinicals. I found this great site that helps me alot. http://www.mededcenter.com/module_viewer.asp?module=+118 Hope this helps!

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Specializes in ICUs, Tele, etc..

bring a thermometer, sthetoscope, your meds from the pyxis, unopened of course, and do your head to toe beginning with vitals, then look at ur patient, listen, then when the basics are done, you can proceed later on with the rest of ur nursing care after charting and taking a morning break, i mean there are things that are not so emergent, i.e. morning care

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i just started assessments in clinicals. i found this great site that helps me alot. http://www.mededcenter.com/module_viewer.asp?module=+118 hope this helps!

awesome site!!! gr8 for all students. thank you very much for disclosing it with us!!

adieu,

sandhya

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Specializes in Home Health, Hospice.

Thanks for all the good info posted.

I especially love the site link! Just was I was looking for. Thanks!

K-

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