Nursing

From Fundamentals of Nursing Made Incredibly Easy: types of equipment used in vital signs assessment; skills for performing vital signs assessment;
tips to interpret vital signs; and abnormalities in vital signs

Link out to Physical Assessment from the NRC Plus for the following skills videos:
1. Physical Assessment: Inspection; 2. Physical Assessment: Auscultation; and 3. Physical Assessment: Palpation.

Link out to all topics included in Physical Assessment from the Nursing Reference Center Plus.

This video teaches how to perform a head-to-toe physical assessment using palpation and visualization. It explains how to develop a plan for an admission assessment, create a supportive environment for a patient, and ensure patient privacy.

Looking at the structures and function of the components of the respiratory system, this video teaches how to perform a respiratory assessment. It explains the purpose of subjective and objective assessment, demonstrates how to auscultate a patient, and looks at the different types of breath sounds.

Looking at the structures and function of the components of the nervous system, this video teaches how to perform a nervous system assessment. It explains the interaction between the nervous systems and other body systems and shows how to assess cranial nerves, reflexes, and cerebellar function.

Looking at the structures and function of the components of the musculoskeletal system, this video teaches how to perform a musculoskeletal system assessment. It explains the purpose of subjective and objective assessment and emphasizes the importance of assessing for pain.

Looking at the structures and function of the components of the male genitourinary system, this video teaches how to perform a genitourinary system assessment. It teaches how to perform a male breast exam by palpation and how to perform a visual assessment of male genitalia. It compares hypospadias and epispadias; explains visual indicators of phimosis, HPV infection, hydrocele, spermatocele, and varicocele; and discusses how to teach patients about reproductive self-care.

Looking at the structures and function of the components of the integumentary system, this video teaches how to perform a skin assessment. It lists criteria for evaluating skin color, discusses the effects of aging on skin and hair, teaches how to determine the stage of a skin ulcer, and assess skin turgor.

Looking at the structures and function of the components of the female genitourinary system, this video teaches how to perform a genitourinary system assessment. It looks at current guidelines for frequency of mammograms, shows how to take a menstrual and obstetrical history, and demonstrates how to perform a manual breast exam. It explains the frequency of UTIs in women as compared to men, shows how to identify signs of physical abuse, and discusses education about reproductive health.

Looking at the structures and function of the components of the digestive system, this video teaches how to perform a digestive assessment. It differentiates between digestion and absorption, discusses factors leading to increased digestive complaints, and demonstrates abdominal auscultation and palpation. It outlines the proper action if a pulsating abdominal mass is found, discusses types of gastrointestinal disorders, and presents tests used to diagnose polyps and colorectal cancer.

Looking at the structures and function of the components of the cardiovascular system, this video teaches how to perform a cardiac assessment. It traces the flow of blood through the heart and pulmonary system, looks at the cardiac conduction system, and explains the role of lymph nodes. It demonstrates how to examine the cardiac and lymph systems, assess for deep vein thrombosis, palpate lymph nodes, assess peripheral pulses, and auscultate the heart.

Listing common causes of head and neck pain, This video shows the normal prominences on the skull, compares microencephaly and macroencephaly, and identifies common causes of abnormal breath odors. It demonstrates how to assess the oral cavity; describes physical changes that accompany thrush, herpes simplex, and methamphetamine abuse; and compares tonsillitis and epiglottitis.

This video shows how to examine the external features of the eyes, ears, and nose; perform a basic vision screening; perform a basic hearing screening using the whisper test; palpate the facial sinuses; and inspect the inside of the nares using an otoscope with a nasal speculum. It differentiates between normal and abnormal findings and shows the visible signs of drug abuse.

This video seminar teaches a head-to-toe approach to physical assessment, teaching how to evaluate a baseline and identify patient status changes. It shows how to use inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation in assessment; demonstrates the six components of a neurological exam, including mental status assessment, cranial nerves, and reflexes; teaches how to perform a complete respiratory exam, including evaluation of breath sounds; and covers the elements of a complete cardiac exam, including identification of different types of murmurs.