How do you describe musculoskeletal assessment?
Table of Contents
To assess the musculoskeletal system, you carefully inspect your patient, examining the symmetry of the joints, muscles, and bones and checking for swelling, redness, and ease of movement. Then you palpate over the joints, noting any areas of warmth or tenderness.
What are the steps of the musculoskeletal assessment?
- Inspect the patient from the front.
- Observe the patient from behind.
- Observe spinal movement.
- CONTINUED. Observe spinal movement.
- Observe patient walking.
- Inspect the dorsum of the hands and test finger. extension.
- Assess MCP joint flexion.
- Inspect the palm.
How do you assess musculoskeletal system as a nurse?
Also, a nursing health assessment of the musculoskeletal system involves palpation of the joints. Palpate the joints and assess the temperature of the skin and the muscles. Palpate for warmth, tenderness, swelling or masses. If pain or tenderness are noted, further assess to specify the joint or structure involved.
How do you perform an integumentary assessment?

A routine integumentary assessment by a registered nurse in an inpatient care setting typically includes inspecting overall skin color, inspecting for skin lesions and wounds, and palpating extremities for edema, temperature, and capillary refill.
How do you document muscular strength?
How to Assess Muscle Strength

- 0: No visible muscle contraction.
- 1: Visible muscle contraction with no or trace movement.
- 2: Limb movement, but not against gravity.
- 3: Movement against gravity but not resistance.
- 4: Movement against at least some resistance supplied by the examiner.
- 5: Full strength.
What is the purpose of musculoskeletal assessment?
The musculoskeletal exam helps to identify the functional anatomy associated with clinical conditions, thereby differentiating the underlying system involved and could correctly point towards the condition helping in early diagnosis and intervention.
How do you write a skin assessment?
A holistic skin assessment should always include a psychological and social assessment….
- Inspect the skin – general observation, site and number of lesions and pattern of distribution.
- Describe what you see on the skin.
- Palpate the skin.
- Include a systemic check.
How do I document a skin assessment?
A skin assessment should include the presenting concern/compliant with the skin, history of the presenting concern/compliant, past medical history, family history, social history, medicines (including topical treatment) and allergies and impact on quality of life.
What do you assess in skin assessment?
This includes assessment of skin color, moisture, temperature, texture, mobility and turgor, and skin lesions. Inspect and palpate the fingernails and toenails, noting their color and shape and whether any lesions are present.
How do you document strength on a physical exam?
How to Assess Muscle Strength
- Visible muscle contraction with no or trace movement.
- Limb movement, but not against gravity.
- Movement against gravity but not resistance.
- Movement against at least some resistance supplied by the examiner.
- Full strength.
What is the best description for isometric exercise?
Simply put, an isometric exercise is one that involves muscle engagement without movement. Instead, you pick one position and hold it. For example, in a plank or wall sit, the muscles are working, but not actively changing lengths.