The first things done in a nursing assessment
A physical examination is the first thing undertaken in a nursing assessment, so as to find if there is structural damage to the body or other anomalies. The signs or symptoms are observed and measured or interpreted. The vital signs of the patient are taken first to determine if they are normal or there is a problem in the temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure or breathing.
The examination of the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems follows. Knowing the general make up of the bodily functions of a patient is necessary in the nursing assessment. Nausea or symptoms of vertigo of a patient are also taken into consideration.