This is the comprehensive pediatric physical assessment skill.
The purpose of this skill is to demonstrate
how to perform a complete assessment on a pediatric patient.
The recommended PPE for this skill are gloves and eye protection.
The first step in this skill as you approach the patient.
is note their appearance, their skin color and their work of breathing.
When assessing their level of consciousness if it's a toddler.
Assess their activity level and interaction with the environment.
If it's a school aged child
Note their eye contact, mood and orientation
to person, place and time.
as well as additional questions to evaluate their memory.
Next I would assess the patients growth and stage of development.
and do a thorough assessment of the patients skin
noting the color, moisture and temperature.
I would then perform a complete head to toe assessment
assessing for deformities, contusions
abrasions, punctures,penetrations
burns, tenderness, lacerations and swelling.
Beginning with the head
I would assess the skull
assess the nose and ears for any drainage.
assess the eyes for pupil size
and reactivity to light
assess the mouth insuring the upper mouth remains patent.
assess the neck
checking the position of the trachea
and condition of the of the jugular veins.
Assess the chest noting the chest wall expansion.
Looking for any open wounds.
Palpating the chest for integrity and rib stability.
and assessing the patients lower airwave
by auscultating the lungs bilaterally.
I would then assess the heart and blood vessels.
Palpating a periferral pulse
either radial or brachial
and a central pulse as necessary.
and listening to heart tones.
I would then assess the abdomen.
Looking for any open wounds.
and palpating in all four quadrants
for pain, rigidity and distention
After assessing the abdomen
I would role the patient on their side to assess their back.
using assistance if necessary.
I would palpate the back
looking for any open wounds, tenderness, rigidity or masses.
Next I would assess the stability of the pelvis.
I would then expose the patient
and if indicated assess the genitalia
for external lesions, wounds, rashes or drainage.
On the male and female genitalia respectively.
I would then assess the lower extemities.
Palpating and arterial pulse
Palpating pedal pulse.
Ask the patient if they can move their foot.
and assessing for sensation or reflex.
assess the other extremitiy.
Palpating pedal pulse.
Ask the patient if they can move their foot.
and assess for sensation or reflex.
assess the upper extremity.
Palpate a radial or brachial pulse.
Ask the patient if they are able to move their hand.
and assess for sensation or reflex.
Assess the other extremity.
Palpate a radial or brachial pulse.
Ask the patient if they are able to move their hand.
and assess for sensation or reflex.
After I have completed my head to toe assessment.
I would then continue with patient care.