1. Assessing the Musculoskeletal System
• Describe a patient with a musculoskeletal symptom or group of symptoms, such as joint pain, back pain, neck pain, and so on. Do not limit yourself to these examples. Remember: There are different types and locations of joint pain.
What questions would you ask as part of your focused assessment?
What history might be associated with the symptom, if any?
What are the known risk factors for this condition?
What physical examination techniques would you use?
What patient education would you give the patient?
Find a nursing journal article about these symptoms.
2: Assessing the Nervous System
Choose one common complaint (symptom or group of symptoms) related to the neurological system. For example, you may select syncope, hand tremors, seizures, right/left-sided weakness or paralysis, abnormalities of gait or posture, changes in mental status, and so on. Do not limit yourself to these examples.
What questions would you ask as part of your focused assessment?
What history would be associated with the symptom?
What are the risk factors for this condition?
What physical examination techniques would you use?
What patient education would you give to the patient?
Find a nursing journal article about this symptom or condition.