Clinical Examination Skills

The role and function of the nurse is rapidly changing, and nurses are now required to undertake a comprehensive clinical examination of patients, a responsibility traditionally undertaken by a doctor. Clinical Examination Skills is an accessible, introductory guide to helping nurses fulfil this role, enabling them to understand the core skills and knowledge needed to assess patients competently. This practice-based book will be invaluable to pre-registration nursing students and newly qualified nursing staff, empowering them to meet the challenges of autonomous practice.

Foreword vii

Preface ix

Acknowledgements xi

Chapter 1 Overview of history taking and clinical examination 1

Chapter 2 Symptoms of disease 19

Chapter 3 Examination of the cardiovascular system 41

Chapter 4 Examination of the respiratory system 77

Chapter 5 Examination of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems 99

Chapter 6 Examination of the neurological system 121

Chapter 7 Examination of the musculoskeletal system 165

Chapter 8 Assessment of the critically ill patient 195

Chapter 9 Record keeping 211

Index 217

Phil Jevon is the Clinical Skills Lead/ Resuscitation Office at The Manor Hospital, Walsall. He runs and directs the Resuscitation Council (UK) ALS, ILS, EPLS Courses and still works regularly in the clinical area. A key part of his role is to provide simulation training for medical students on SIMMAN in clinical examination skills – he has recently been awarded honorary Clinical lecturer in recognition of this work.
A Consultant Physician will be co-authoring the book. He has over 30 years experience at Consultant level. The role and function of the nurse is rapidly changing, and nurses are now required to undertake a comprehensive clinical examination of patients, a responsibility traditionally undertaken by a doctor. Clinical Examination Skills is an accessible, introductory guide to helping nurses fulfil this role, enabling them to understand the core skills and knowledge needed to assess patients competently. This practice-based book will be invaluable to pre-registration nursing students and newly qualified nursing staff, empowering them to meet the challenges of autonomous practice.