Pocket Guide to Physical Assessment

A concise, quick-reference handbook on history taking and physical examination Pocket Guide to Physical Assessment is a compact yet comprehensive reference for students and practitioners alike, employing a step-by-step framework for effective patient assessment, diagnosis and planning of care. This valuable guide covers topics including cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological and musculoskeletal system examinations, patient interviews, history taking and general health assessments. Clear diagrams and checklists illustrate key points, while easy-to-follow instructions and concise descriptions of clinical situations and diseases aid in clinical decision-making. Compact, pocket-sized guide that contains only the essential information for physical assessment Instructs readers on best clinical practice and how to present and communicate cases Develops and improves necessary skills for physical clinical examinations Ideal for use on the ward or as a companion to the accompanying textbook, Physical Assessment for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals Pocket Guide to Physical Assessment is an invaluable reference for healthcare students, newly qualified and advanced nurse practitioners, and allied health practitioners.

Contributors vii Foreword ix Preface xi Acknowledgements xiii 1 Interviewing and History Taking 1 Carol Lynn Cox 2 General Health Assessment 29 Carol Lynn Cox 3 Basic Examination, Notes, and Diagnostic Principles 61 Carol Lynn Cox 4 Examination of the Cardiovascular System 75 Carol Lynn Cox 5 Examination of the Respiratory System 105 Carol Lynn Cox 6 Examination of the Abdomen 127 Anthony McGrath 7 Examination of the Male Genitalia 149 Carol Lynn Cox and Anthony McGrath 8 Examination of the Female Genitalia 161 Victoria Lack 9 Examination of the Nervous System 185 Graham M Boswell 10 Examination of the Eye 235 Helen Gibbons 11 Examination of the Musculoskeletal System 265 Nicola L Whiteing 12 Presenting Cases and Communication 297 Carol Lynn Cox Appendix A Jaeger Reading Chart 311 Appendix B Visual Acuity 3 Meter/21 Foot Chart 313 Appendix C Hodkinson Ten-Point Mental Test Score 315 Appendix D Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living 317 Appendix E Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) 321 Appendix F Glasgow Coma Scale 325 Appendix G Warnings Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease 327 Appendix H Trigger Symptoms Indicative of Dementia 329 Appendix I The 12-Lead Electrocardiogram 331 Index 369