Endocrine Physical Assessment

[desertstudent]

Hello All! Long time reader first time poster :) I had to switch programs mid-stream from spouses job transfer (yuck) and am completing my first care plan for the new program. They are asking for me to fill out the endocrine physical assessment for my pediatric patient and I have no idea how to even begin other than "thyroid not enlarged." I searched the threads on here and unless I missed it, it doesn't seem to be a topic brought up before. I have gone through my physical assessment cue cards series and got nothing. I searched the internet and got nothing. Anyone have any ideas?? Thanks so much!

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Hmm, this sounds like a tough one. My advice would be to go through the list of endocrine glands/hormones in the body and think about what the signs/symptoms of an abnormality would be.

Example: thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism: fatigue, weight gain, intolerance to cold, lack of appetitie, constipation.

So your physical assessment would go something like: Pt denies being fatigued, participates in sports activities regularly with no issues. Weight is appropriate for age and height, no recent weight gain. Pt denies intolerance to cold temperatures. Appetite is normal for patient- three meals per day with several small snacks. Bowel movements are regular, soft brown stool once per day.

Continue for all the major endocrine disorders.

[desertstudent]

Thanks so much! Sometimes I feel like my brain just can't process anymore so your advice - that clicks! I am definitely looking forward to the day when care plans to this degree - are not a part of my reality anymore. Anyway - thank you again! I really appreciate it!:yeah: