Physical Assessment Techniques (Head-to-Toe & System-Specific)

A complete physical assessment follows a systematic head-to-toe sequence to avoid missing findings: general survey and vital signs first, then head/neck (including level of consciousness and pupils), respiratory, cardiovascular, abdominal, musculoskeletal/neurological, and skin/extremities — using the same consistent order every time builds speed and reduces the chance of skipping a step under time pressure. The four core assessment techniques are performed in a specific order for most body systems — inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation — with one important, frequently tested exception: for the abdomen, auscultation is performed before palpation and percussion, since touching or pressing the abdomen first can artificially alter bowel sounds before they're assessed.