Equipment (as needed):

• -scales
• -spygmomanometer
• -stethoscope

Assessment Parameters:

• observe general appearance, hygiene, posture, gait, thought processes, and speech patterns
• evaluate height and weight
• take vital signs

Equipment (as needed):

• gloves

Assessment Parameters:

• skin: inspect for color and lesions; palpate for temperature, texture, and moisture
• hair: inspect for texture, loss, unusual growth, and infestations
• nails: inspect for color and condition

Equipment (as needed):

• gloves
• snellen chart
• ophthalmoscope
• otoscope
• tongue depressor

Assessment Parameters:

• skull and face: inspect for shape and symmetry
• neck: palpate trachea and thyroid gland
• lymph nodes: palpate for size, shape, consistency, and tenderness
• eyes: test visual acuity, extraocular movements, and peripheral vision; inspect for discharge, alignment, and internal structures
• ears: test hearing acuity; inspect position, external ear, tympanic membrane, and for cerumen
• nose, mouth, and throat: inspect for color, consistency, condition of teeth, exudate, and condition of tonsils; palpate for tenderness

Equipment (as needed):

• gloves
• stethoscope
• tape measure

Assessment Parameters:

• thorax: inspect posture and respiratory rate; palpate for crepitus and expansion; percuss for tones; auscultate breath sounds
• breasts: inspect size, shape, symmetry, color, areolas, nipple (discharge), retraction, and dimpling; palpate for masses or tenderness
• axillary lymph nodes: palpate for size, shape, consistency, and tenderness

Equipment (as needed):

• stethoscope
• watch with second hand

Assessment Parameters:

• carotid arteries: auscultate for bruit; palpate pulse strength
• jugular vein: inspect for pulsations and sitention
• precordium: inspect for pulsations; palpate apical impulse, pulsations, and heart rate and rhytm; auscultate heart sounds and murmurs

Equipment (as needed):

• stethoscope
• doppler (if needed)

Assessment Parameters:

• peripheral pulses: palpate for symmetry, character, strength, rate, and patency
• arms and legs: inspect for color, hair pattern, veins, lesions, and edema; palpate for temperature