How do you conduct a head to chest assessment on a clientSol

How do you conduct a head to chest assessment on a client.

Solution

Head to chest assessment on a client is as under:

Assessment of Head:Shape and symmetry; condition of hair and scalp

Eyes are assessed for conjunctiva, sclera, pupil.Also check the reactivity to light and ability of eyes to follow the finger.

Ears:Check for hearing aid or pain in any condition.

Nose: Congestion, difficulty in breathing and sensation of smell

Throat and Mouth:checked for any lesions, teeth, odor, swallowing, trachea, lymph nodes, tongue

Assessment of chest:

Give supine position to the client and observe from foot end of the bed tangentially and assess the following points:

3.Position of trachea:Prominence of clavicular head of sternomastoid muscle is compared on either sides. Undue prominence on one side indicates tracheal shift to that side.

4.Position of apex beat:Apex beat may get displaced in diseases of lungs or pleura

5. Palpate the chest wall and breasts for any tenderness or lumps.