Physical+Assessments

There are four primary assessment techniques which are:
 * Inspection- when a nurse or midwife observe the patient visually, or by hearing and smelling. The size, shape, color, position and symmetry should also be noted.
 * Palpation- this is when the nurse or midwife uses touch to assess the patient by feeling for texture, temperature, moisture, vibrations and shape.
 * Percussion- the nurse or midwife uses this by striking one object against another and
 * Auscultation- this is done when the nurse or midwife listens with a stethoscope by putting the diaphragm or bell against the body part being assessed. eg. the chest (for lungs and heart) and the belly.

with percussion, you are mainly using your middle fingers. with your non dominant hand place your fingers, spaced evenly apart on the surface you are going to percuss. with your dominant hand, use your middle finger to tap the middle finger on your non dominant hand. a sound should be heard and this can be interpreted

-mel

Objective. Physical assessment, diagnostic, med test. Observation Subjective. Observation by family of the patient, health hisotry and family hostory