
Sensory aspects of a head-to-toe assessment Introducing themselves and explaining the process to the patient.Making sure the examination room adheres to health and safety precautions.Washing their hands well, and having a small sanitizer bottle handy to prevent cross-contamination of germs between you and your patients.Nurses should also prepare for the assessment by checking off the following four tasks: So before we get into the systematic approach to the assessment, let’s take a look at the equipment nurses should have on hand before starting one: Given that nurses have to collect data by listening to, touching and visually assessing a patient’s body, they need tools to facilitate the work. Here’s all you need to know about head-to-toe assessment in nursing, including what this assessment entails, the senses nurses use to review a patient’s condition and what tools medical professionals need to perform this exam. But this revision paints a comprehensive picture of a patient’s state and helps nurses create solid care plans, spot unseen illnesses and understand an individual better. You all have made a nursing care plan at least once (if not more) during your practice. Enter: the importance of a head-to-toe assessment. While a patient might come in for one ailment, you also know there could be an underlying one behind it-whether related or not to the patient’s primary concern.

You visualize the plan, thinking how it’ll look like, who’ll be responsible for what, etc. You already begin forming an informal care plan in your head. You thoroughly analyze their situation and join the dots to figure out their problem. As soon as you hear them, you quickly start to put together a story about their condition. Now, imagine a scenario: A patient comes in and shares their symptoms. First things first: You’re exceptional at your job, and we’re so proud of you!
