South College
School of Nursing
NSG 3133 Physical Assessment
WEEK 2
CHAPTER 4 – GENERA L INSPECTION AND
MEASU REMENT OF VI TAL SI GNS
, General Inspection
First step in physical assessment
General inspection begins the moment nurse meets patient.
Initial impressions guide nurse to areas requiring further
examination:
◦ Physical appearance
◦ Hygiene
◦ Body structure and movement
◦ Emotional and mental status
◦ Behavior
, Physical Appearance
and Hygiene
Does patient appear healthy?
Any obvious findings such as tremors or facial
drooping?
Does patient appear close to stated age?
◦ Note that patient may appear older or younger than
stated age due to drug and alcohol use, excessive sun
exposure, chronic disease, and endocrine disorders.
Note color and condition of skin. Is it appropriate for
race
Any variations or obvious presence of lesions?
Is patient clean and well groomed or disheveled?
Any odors detected?
, Body Structure, Positioning,
and Movement
Body structure and position:
◦ Stature and height appropriate for age.
◦ Nutritional status - well nourished,
cachectic, obese?
◦ Body symmetry and positioning.
◦ Sitting up straight? Tripod positioning?
Body movement:
◦ Note how patient moves.
◦ Move all extremities?
◦ Use of assistive devices.
◦ Are there limitations in range of
motion?
◦ Are there any involuntary movements
such as a tremor or tic?
◦ Guard extremities with movement?
School of Nursing
NSG 3133 Physical Assessment
WEEK 2
CHAPTER 4 – GENERA L INSPECTION AND
MEASU REMENT OF VI TAL SI GNS
, General Inspection
First step in physical assessment
General inspection begins the moment nurse meets patient.
Initial impressions guide nurse to areas requiring further
examination:
◦ Physical appearance
◦ Hygiene
◦ Body structure and movement
◦ Emotional and mental status
◦ Behavior
, Physical Appearance
and Hygiene
Does patient appear healthy?
Any obvious findings such as tremors or facial
drooping?
Does patient appear close to stated age?
◦ Note that patient may appear older or younger than
stated age due to drug and alcohol use, excessive sun
exposure, chronic disease, and endocrine disorders.
Note color and condition of skin. Is it appropriate for
race
Any variations or obvious presence of lesions?
Is patient clean and well groomed or disheveled?
Any odors detected?
, Body Structure, Positioning,
and Movement
Body structure and position:
◦ Stature and height appropriate for age.
◦ Nutritional status - well nourished,
cachectic, obese?
◦ Body symmetry and positioning.
◦ Sitting up straight? Tripod positioning?
Body movement:
◦ Note how patient moves.
◦ Move all extremities?
◦ Use of assistive devices.
◦ Are there limitations in range of
motion?
◦ Are there any involuntary movements
such as a tremor or tic?
◦ Guard extremities with movement?
