Physical Assessment Order

by Cathy Parkes October 08, 2019 Updated: December 29, 2021

Order of physical assessment: Inspect, palpate, percuss, auscultate. EXCEPT for assessing the abdomen: Inspect, auscultate, percuss, palpate (to avoid altering bowel sounds).

Master the flow and sequence of a head-to-toe patient assessment with our health assessment flashcards for nursing students.

Cathy Parkes

Lordosis, Kyphosis, and Scoliosis

Lordosis (excessive curvature of the lumbar spine) is a common finding in pregnancy and in toddlers. Kyphosis (excessive curvature of the thoracic spine) is a common finding in the older adults. Scoliosis (lateral curvature of the spine) is always abnormal.

Tension Pneumothorax

A patient with a tension pneumothorax is likely to have tracheal deviation towards the unaffected side. Assess respiratory status in any patient with this finding!