Which muscle characteristics should the nurse inspect as part of a thorough musculoskeletal examination?

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What should a musculoskeletal exam include?

A thorough musculoskeletal examination should include inspection, palpation of soft tissues surrounding the joint of interest, and assessment of both muscle strength and flexibility. First, gait should be observed. There may be an antalgic gait or a slow gait pattern because of pain in a specific joint.

What do nurses use to assess the musculoskeletal system?

Also, a nursing health assessment of the musculoskeletal system involves palpation of the joints. Palpate the joints and assess the temperature of the skin and the muscles. Palpate for warmth, tenderness, swelling or masses. If pain or tenderness are noted, further assess to specify the joint or structure involved.

What are the normal findings in musculoskeletal assessment?

Normal or abnormal findings that could be elicited by observation and palpation include: symmetry/asymmetry - skin color and appearance, rash, ulcers, lack of sweating hair abnormalities - warmth and heat - Swelling including effusions, nodules, and inflammatory findings like synovial and periarticular thickening - ...

When assessing the musculoskeletal system which body areas should be palpated?

When assessing the musculoskeletal system, which body areas should be palpated? Select all that apply. The nurse palpates all bones, joints, and surrounding muscles for tone, temperature, crepitus, resistance to pressure, and tenderness.