Regional musculoskeletal examination: what the students say

David Coady1, Lesley Kay, David Walker

  • 1Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. d.a.coady@ncl.ac.uk

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Regional Terms01:12

Regional Terms

Regional terms describe anatomy by dividing the body parts into different regions that contain structures involved in contributing similar functions. Using these terms helps increase the accurate description and identification of the particular region of interest or region affected by the disease.
Primarily, the human body has two major regions, the axial and appendicular regions. The axial region comprises regions from the head to the abdomen and makes up the central body axis. In contrast,...
Data Collection III01:05

Data Collection III

The physical assessment examines the patient for objective data that defines the patient's condition, and aids in formulating the nursing care plan. The purpose of physical assessment is a health status appraisal, which includes identifying health problems, and establishing a database for nursing intervention.
The principles to begin the physical assessment include conducting a comprehensive or problem-related history in a quiet, well-lit room, emphasizing privacy and comfort for the patient.
Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion01:18

Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion

Percussion is a fundamental technique used to assess the liver, spleen, and abdominal organs by tapping the abdomen and interpreting the resulting sounds. This method helps identify fluid, distention, and masses through variations in sound, such as the high-pitched tympany of air-filled areas and the dullness of solid masses. Understanding how to percuss these organs provides valuable information for healthcare professionals in diagnosing conditions early.
Percussion
Percussion is an essential...
Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation01:23

Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation

Palpation is a crucial tactile examination method for assessing abdominal organs and detecting conditions like tenderness, distention, masses, or fluid. It involves both light and deep palpation techniques, each serving specific diagnostic purposes. Light palpation helps identify tenderness and other surface-level indicators, while deep palpation locates and assess abdominal masses and organ boundaries. A skilled professional can gather valuable insights through palpation, including evaluating...
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles01:30

Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles

A thorough assessment of respiratory health is paramount in clinical settings to identify and manage respiratory distress and ensure adequate oxygenation. This article elaborates on the critical aspects of respiratory evaluation, including airway assessment, skin color examination, and the observation of accessory muscle use, which are integral to effectively diagnosing and managing patients with respiratory conditions.
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation01:27

Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation

Palpation involves feeling the body to evaluate texture, size, consistency, and tenderness for assessing cardiovascular health. The following steps are organized in a head-to-toe order:
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...