PHYSICAL

ASSESSMENT OF THE UPPER/LOWER EXTREMITIES

(RETURN DEMONSTRATION)

UPPER EXTREMITIES

1. ENSURE THE PATIENT ABT THE FF:

-Perform hand hygiene

-Ensure Patient Privacy

-Maintain patient comfort and safety

-Introduce self to the client

-Verify client’s identity

-Explain to the patient what is this assessment about

-Introduce materials needed

2. INSPECT

-Check if there are lesions, swelling, or masses

-If the patient has IV, check if the area is swelling

-Inspect arm size and venous patter

3. PALPATE

-Check patient’s temperature by palpating hands and arms. (note)

-Ask the patient to raise both hand and palpate the radial artery bilaterally (2+)

-Palpate epitrochlear lymph nodes

4. CHECK CAPILLARY REFILL

-Ask the patient to raise their hand then, press and add pressure to the nailbed

to check the CRT. (1-2 secs normal)

5. CHECK SKIN TURGOR

-Pinch patient’s skin upward and see how long will it takes to get back on its

original figure.

6. PERFORM ALLEN TEST

Physical Assessment OF THE Upper Extremities

Nursing (nurse)