We will lead you through how to do your head-to-toe nursing assessment (including what to look for throughout each phase) now that you understand what a nursing assessment is and when to utilize it. Initial Evaluation Everything you notice about the patient as soon as you step into the exam room is included in your initial assessment, including both subjective and objective observations. The patient's major complaint and mental status can be determined during the first interaction section of the exam. https://youtu.be/z_-bzatHQlY During the initial assessment, look for the following: Whether the patient appears alert, greets you, and responds adequately to inquiries Patient distress symptoms, such as hard breathing and/or confusion Overall look, including whether they are suitably dressed, basic hygiene, and posture. Health history in general Initial pain information using the mnemonic PQRST: Factors that contribute to pain (what causes it) The sensation (throbbing, painful, stabbing) Radiating region Pain level (from 1 to 10) Time (when did it start and how long will it last?) Signs of Life You will ask the patient if you can take their vital signs and do a physical exam during the following evaluation step. Vital signals indicate how well the body's essential functions are being performed. Life depends on vital indicators. They are used to demonstrate how the body works. The following are some examples of common vital signs: Temperature Heart rate The rate of respiration Pulse rate Blood pressure Saturation of oxygen Pain intensity Skin, hair, and nails Look for and note signs and symptoms connected to the patient's hair, skin, and nails as you begin to examine the patient attentively. These notes can reveal a lot about their overall health. Pay attention to the following areas during the hair, skin, and nails assessment: Nails: indications of delayed capillary refill, > 3 seconds, clubbing, or nail bed fungus Signs of uneven hair distribution in the hair Skin: look for rashes, changes in skin color, such as pallor or erythema, evidence of decreased skin turgor, or lesions, and hot or moist skin.