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Topic 2-1
Assisting with the Physical Examination

The history and the physical exam provide much of the information known about the patient's health status. As a practical nurse, you may be called upon to assist the physician or other health care providers during a physical examination. You should know the basics of the examination in order to have the appropriate equipment and supplies on hand, and so that you may place the patient in the proper position and drape him correctly.

After completing this lesson, you should be able to:

• Cite the purposes for performing a physical examination.
• Cite the functions of the practical nurse during the physical examination.
• Identify the health care providers who could perform the physical examination.
• Identify the body systems that the health care provider would usually examine during a physical examination.
• Cite the physiological measurements/ values which are routinely made during a complete physical examination.
• Identify the supplies and equipment that should be available in the examination room.
• Cite the nursing implications which apply during the physical examination of a patient.
• Match the correct body position with the description or an illustration of the body position.
• Cite the purposes for draping a patient during the physical examination.
• Cite the nursing implications, which relate to evaluation of the patient's condition in terms of the need for assistance during a physical examination.

Select a Lesson:

	Understanding the Examination Procedure
	Positioning a Patient for Examination or Treatment
	Body Systems and Routine Measurements
	More Notes on Assisting with Physical Examinations

The practical nurse that is assigned to assist in the physical examination plays an important role in supporting both the patient and the physician or other health care providers. Upon completion, chart that the examination was done, by whom, the patient's reaction, and any specimens sent to the lab or special procedures to be followed.

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