Steps for Physical Assessment Study Guide

Steps of (PERRLA).

1. patient looks straight ahead. 2. using penlight look from side to shine on pupil. 3. pupil should contract. 4. shine light again on same eye, but watch the other eye, pupil should also constrict. 5. move penlight 4 inches from nose (with penlight off) less light is needed for this check. 6. have patient look at penlight, then look away at a distant object. 7. pupil should constrict when viewing near object and should also constrict when patient is viewing the away object.

10. Auscultate heart sounds for (minute), locate proximal maximum Impact ( PMI). Note rate, rhythm, S1 and S2.

11. Auscultate breath sounds in all lung fields.

12. Auscultate bowel sounds in all four quadrants.

13. Palpate abdomen using light palpation only.

14. Inspect skin for color and presence of lesions.

15. Palpate skin to assess capillary refill, temperature, sensation, edema, and turgor.

16. Palpate pulses to include radial, dorsalis pedis and posterior tibialis.

17. Palpate strength and movement in all extremities.

18. Assess gait and mobility when applicable.

19. Document findings.

1. Preform hand hygiene.

2.Identify patient with two identifiers.

3. Complete general survey.

4. Establish airway, breathing and circulation, (ABC).

5. Establish level of consciousness, (LOC).

6. Assess orientation to person, place, time and situation.

8. Inspect mouth and ability to cough and swallow.

9. Inspect torso and abdomen.

7. Check pupils (PERRLA).

P=pupils E= equally R= round and R= react to L= light and A= accommodation