Head-to-Toe Physical Assessment: Listen & Learn! [Rewind]
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Master the Head-to-Toe Nursing Assessment: Step-by-Step Audio Guide for Students and New Nurses
In this high-yield episode of Nursing School Week by Week, I'm walking you through a complete head-to-toe physical assessment—perfect for nursing students, clinical check-offs, and new nurses looking to boost their confidence and clinical skills.
I demonstrate each step of the physical exam, explaining what to look for and why each assessment technique matters. You’ll learn how to use essential nursing tools like stethoscopes and penlights, gather subjective vs. objective data, and accurately assess nine major body systems: neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, integumentary, and more.
Whether you're prepping for your nursing school clinicals, refining your bedside assessment techniques, or reviewing for the NCLEX, this episode is packed with practical tips, quiz questions, and real-world insight to help you perform faster, smarter, and more efficiently.
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
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