[Physical examination in children: a nurse's guide]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nursing
• Clinical Assessment Techniques

Context:

• The physical exam is a critical component of pediatric patient evaluation.
• Nurses utilize physical examination findings to inform and base nursing care.
• There is a growing emphasis on the comprehensive application of the nursing process.

Purpose:

• To develop a practical guide for nurses on conducting pediatric physical examinations.
• To systematically present the physical examination sequence (cephalocaudal).
• To outline potential normal and abnormal findings during a child's physical assessment.

Summary:

• This bibliographical study aimed to create a guide for pediatric physical examinations.
• The guide follows a systematic cephalocaudal approach.
• It includes expected normal and abnormal findings for nurses to identify.

Impact:

• Enhances nurses' ability to gather comprehensive patient information.
• Supports the identification of nursing diagnoses and patient needs.
• Provides a tool for effective evaluation of nursing interventions in pediatric care.