PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT CHECKLISTS
NR509
Advanced Physical
Assessment
Rapid Review + Focused Examination Guide
Quick-reference assessment sequences for head-to-toe and focused examinations, with normal
and abnormal findings, red flags, and documentation cues.
H2T FOCUS QUICK
Head-to-Toe Focused Exams Reference Guide
Original study and revision material • Clean print-ready format
PassPoint Pro
Page 1 of 8
, PASSPOINT PRO | NR509 ADVANCED PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT
Head-to-Toe Master Checklist
1. Preparation
Hand hygiene; identify patient; explain exam; privacy/draping; pain check; equipment ready.
2. General survey
Appearance, distress, speech, posture, mobility, hygiene, color, respiratory effort.
3. Vital signs
BP, pulse, respirations, temperature, oxygen saturation, pain; orthostatics when indicated.
4. Skin
Color, moisture, temperature, lesions, bruising, wounds, pressure areas, edema, nails.
5. Head/face
Symmetry, scalp, temporal area when indicated, facial movement/sensation.
6. Eyes
Acuity, fields, pupils, EOM, external eye, fundus when indicated.
7. Ears
External ear, canal/TM, hearing screen, Weber/Rinne if needed.
8. Nose/sinuses
Patency, mucosa, septum, tenderness when symptomatic.
9. Mouth/throat
Lips, mucosa, teeth, tongue, palate, pharynx, voice, swallow clues.
10. Neck
ROM, nodes, trachea, thyroid, carotids as indicated.
11. Posterior thorax
Shape, expansion, fremitus, percussion, breath sounds.
12. Anterior thorax
Work of breathing, expansion, percussion, breath sounds.
13. Cardiac
Precordium, apical impulse, S1/S2, extra sounds, murmurs, JVP.
14. Peripheral vascular
Radial/pedal pulses, capillary refill, temperature, edema, skin changes.
15. Abdomen
Inspect, auscultate, percuss, light/deep palpation, tenderness/organomegaly; special maneuvers if indicated.
16. Musculoskeletal
Gait, posture, joint inspection, ROM, strength, targeted special tests.
17. Neurologic
Mental status, CN screen, motor, sensation, reflexes, coordination, gait/balance.
Page 2
NR509
Advanced Physical
Assessment
Rapid Review + Focused Examination Guide
Quick-reference assessment sequences for head-to-toe and focused examinations, with normal
and abnormal findings, red flags, and documentation cues.
H2T FOCUS QUICK
Head-to-Toe Focused Exams Reference Guide
Original study and revision material • Clean print-ready format
PassPoint Pro
Page 1 of 8
, PASSPOINT PRO | NR509 ADVANCED PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT
Head-to-Toe Master Checklist
1. Preparation
Hand hygiene; identify patient; explain exam; privacy/draping; pain check; equipment ready.
2. General survey
Appearance, distress, speech, posture, mobility, hygiene, color, respiratory effort.
3. Vital signs
BP, pulse, respirations, temperature, oxygen saturation, pain; orthostatics when indicated.
4. Skin
Color, moisture, temperature, lesions, bruising, wounds, pressure areas, edema, nails.
5. Head/face
Symmetry, scalp, temporal area when indicated, facial movement/sensation.
6. Eyes
Acuity, fields, pupils, EOM, external eye, fundus when indicated.
7. Ears
External ear, canal/TM, hearing screen, Weber/Rinne if needed.
8. Nose/sinuses
Patency, mucosa, septum, tenderness when symptomatic.
9. Mouth/throat
Lips, mucosa, teeth, tongue, palate, pharynx, voice, swallow clues.
10. Neck
ROM, nodes, trachea, thyroid, carotids as indicated.
11. Posterior thorax
Shape, expansion, fremitus, percussion, breath sounds.
12. Anterior thorax
Work of breathing, expansion, percussion, breath sounds.
13. Cardiac
Precordium, apical impulse, S1/S2, extra sounds, murmurs, JVP.
14. Peripheral vascular
Radial/pedal pulses, capillary refill, temperature, edema, skin changes.
15. Abdomen
Inspect, auscultate, percuss, light/deep palpation, tenderness/organomegaly; special maneuvers if indicated.
16. Musculoskeletal
Gait, posture, joint inspection, ROM, strength, targeted special tests.
17. Neurologic
Mental status, CN screen, motor, sensation, reflexes, coordination, gait/balance.
Page 2
