I Need A Mnemonic For Head To Toe Assessment!!

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Anyone got one? Thanks

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I found this online on NSNA "Study Tips by NSNA Members" September/October 2008 Imprint. Although, I don't know if this is what you are looking for, I thought it pretty useful. A mnemonic for "the basics" by a nursing instructor. You could try to search on NSNA.org for more tips. (Sorry if long . . .)

KIWIS PLeaSe -

K - Knock on the door: this alerts the patient that you are coming in to his room.

I - Introduce Yourself: a common courtesy. The patient has a right to know who is giving him care.

W - Wash your hands and don your goves: essential preventingthe spread of communicable diseases.

I - Check the patient's ID bracelet. Depending on the orientation of your patient, this is also a chance to ask the patient his name for clarification purposes.

S - State the service you are about to perform. The patient has a right to know what you are going to do to him, especially when it involves physical touch. Remember, the patient always has the right to refuse treatment.

P - Provide for Privacy. This is when you should be aware that the door is closed, and the curtainis drawn if there is someone else in the room. Additionally, if you are giving a bed bath, make sure to keep the patient adequately covered.

L - Check Locks. This is a safety issue. Check to make sure the IV is locked, running as per doctor's order, or wide open in the case of Continual Bladder Irrigation (DBI). Check to see that the bed is locked. When you leave your patient's room, make sure that the bed is in the lowest position and the call bell is within reach.

S - Bring in your supplies. Bring in all the appropriate (and possibly extra) supplies into the room. Nothing makes a new nurse feel worse than having to inconvenience a patient to run and get the correct supplies.

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Specializes in IMCU.

I don't have a mnemonic but what I did was go through it over and over again at home (pantomiming it). I can assure you that works -- plus it helped loads when we were graded on performance.

Good luck.

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Thanks for the advice!

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I would like to say thank you as well!

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Not gonna lie, my mind went immediately to "Head, shoulders, knees and toes". ?

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?

"SN Wuzzie, what exactly are you doing?"

> "The knees-and-toes, knees-and-toes part" ? :nurse:

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Double checking!

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