A concise, quick-reference handbook on history taking and physical examination
Pocket Guide to Physical Assessment is a compact yet comprehensive reference for students and practitioners alike, employing a step-by-step framework for effective patient assessment, diagnosis and planning of care.
This valuable guide covers topics including cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological and musculoskeletal system examinations, patient interviews, history taking and general health assessments. Clear diagrams and checklists illustrate key points, while easy-to-follow instructions and concise descriptions of clinical situations and diseases aid in clinical decision-making.
- Compact, pocket-sized guide that contains only the essential information for physical assessment
- Instructs readers on best clinical practice and how to present and communicate cases
- Develops and improves necessary skills for physical clinical examinations
- Ideal for use on the ward or as a companion to the accompanying textbook, Physical Assessment for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals
Pocket Guide to Physical Assessment is an invaluable reference for healthcare students, newly qualified and advanced nurse practitioners, and allied health practitioners.
Table of Contents
Contributors vii
Foreword ix
Preface xi
Acknowledgements xiii
1 Interviewing and History Taking 1
Carol Lynn Cox
2 General Health Assessment 29
Carol Lynn Cox
3 Basic Examination, Notes, and Diagnostic Principles 61
Carol Lynn Cox
4 Examination of the Cardiovascular System 75
Carol Lynn Cox
5 Examination of the Respiratory System 105
Carol Lynn Cox
6 Examination of the Abdomen 127
Anthony McGrath
7 Examination of the Male Genitalia 149
Carol Lynn Cox and Anthony McGrath
8 Examination of the Female Genitalia 161
Victoria Lack
9 Examination of the Nervous System 185
Graham M Boswell
10 Examination of the Eye 235
Helen Gibbons
11 Examination of the Musculoskeletal System 265
Nicola L Whiteing
12 Presenting Cases and Communication 297
Carol Lynn Cox
Appendix A Jaeger Reading Chart 311
Appendix B Visual Acuity 3 Meter/21 Foot Chart 313
Appendix C Hodkinson Ten-Point Mental Test Score 315
Appendix D Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living 317
Appendix E Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) 321
Appendix F Glasgow Coma Scale 325
Appendix G Warnings Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease 327
Appendix H Trigger Symptoms Indicative of Dementia 329
Appendix I The 12-Lead Electrocardiogram 331
Index 369
