About this episode
Send us a text Mastering the Head-to-Toe Physical Assessment in Nursing Hey there, future nurses! In this episode, I’m bringing back one of the most popular and highly requested episodes—a full, step-by-step head-to-toe physical assessment, demonstrated on my then-fiancé (now husband!). I’ll walk you through each step, explaining not just what to do but why it matters. We’ll talk about the difference between subjective and objective data, the essential tools you’ll need, and how to structure your assessment based on different body systems. Plus, I’ll throw in some quiz questions along the way to test your knowledge! Performing a thorough physical assessment is one of the most important skills you’ll develop as a nursing student and new nurse. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel in clinicals and beyond. Alright, let’s get started—grab your stethoscope, and let’s go! 📌 Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Introduction & Why This Skill is Essential 00:19 – The Importance of a Thorough Physical Assessment 01:42 – Subjective vs. Objective Data: What’s the Difference? 02:17 – Must-Have Tools for Your Assessment 02:54 – How to Structure Your Assessment by Body System 04:22 – Quick Quiz: Test Your Knowledge! 06:38 – Performing the Full Physical Assessment 09:10 – Head & Neck Examination 11:52 – Heart, Lungs & Abdomen Assessment 15:25 – Extremities & Skin: What to Look For 17:48 – Final Quiz & Wrap-Up Save 20% on a Picmonic subscription, or try it for free. Connect with me on: Instagram : @NursingSchoolWeekbyWeek YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@nursingschoolweekbyweek Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/nursingschoolweekbyweek LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/nurse-melanie-88085b34a Blog : https://www.nursingschoolweekbyweek.com/blog/ Head over to the website and leave a voicemail (you might hear it on a future episode!) Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!