Checklist
Wash hands, introduce yourself, consent patient.
- OBSERVATION
- End of bed assessment – well or unwell
- Adjuncts: fluid restriction, oxygen requirement
- Position in bed – bolt upright vs reclines
- HANDS
- Capillary refill
- Pallor
- Clubbing/Janeway lesions
- Peripheral temperature
- Radio-radial delay
- VITALS
- NECK
- JVP
- FACE
- Eyes: conjunctiva, xanthalasmata
- Mouth: hydration, central cyanosis, arched palate
- CHEST
- Inspection: scars (sternotomy, drains), deformity, skin changes
- Palpate: apex beat, thrills and heaves
- Auscultate: inspiration for R), expiration for L), roll to side for apex. Lung bases.
- LEGS
- Peripheral oedema
- Scars from harvesting
Omissions
Abdominal Aorta. Consider if aneurysm is a differential. Otherwise the author considers this an abdominal exam finding.