MUSCULOSKELETAL ASSESSMENT

Question 1

(General)

Body Build

Answer 1

1) proportionate distribution of weight and height- thin, obese, trim, muscular, heavy-set, slim, lean, petite, emaciated, and husky
2) can reflect patient’s level of wellness, age, and lifestyle

Question 2

(General)

Posture (normal/abnormal findings)

Answer 2

Normal findings:

1) erect posture while standing with the shoulders and hips aligned over the knees and ankles
2) sitting posture is with straight back and slight rounding of shoulders

Abnormal findings:

1) stooping, slouching, kyphosis, lordosis, or scoliosis
2) may reflect mood or presence of a physical problem

Question 3

(General)

Gait (normal/abnormal findings)

Answer 3

Normal findings:

1) Smooth, coordinated with arms swinging freely at the sides, opposite to leg movement
2) Head and face orient in the direction patient is moving

Abnormal findings:

1) Shuffling steps and hesitancy
2) Note ambulation devices

Question 4

(General)

Movements and Gross ROM

Answer 4

1) Movements are usually purposeful and controlled without ties, tremors, muscle twitching, spasticity, or decreased muscle tone
2) Note immobile body parts

Question 5

(General)

Balance and Coordination

Answer 5

Romberg test

1) nurse instructs patient to stand quietly with hands at sides, and feet together. Once equilibrium is attained, nurse instructs patient to close the eyes
2) patient should be able to stand upright with minimal sway and no loss of balance

Question 6

(Extremities)

1. Inspect
   a. Alignment and Symmetry
   b. ROM

Answer 6

1) findings from one side of the body are compared with those of the opposite side
2) ROM of shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, hips, knees, ankles, feet, and toes
3) Measure ROM limitation if any notes

Question 7

(Extremities)

2. Palpitate
   a. muscle groups
   b. joints

Answer 7

muscle groups
-assess size, symmetry, tone
-measure if they appear unequal
-note any masses, deformities, or muscle atrophy
joints
-assess size, shape, symmetry, edema, tenderness, pain, nodules, or crepitus

Question 8

(Extremities)

Muscle strength

Answer 8

• test grip strength
• evaluate and rate muscle strength of upper arms, forearms, wrists, fingers, hips, hamstrings, quadriceps, ankles, toes, feet
• to test larger muscles, ask patient to do arm and leg pushes
• grade each muscle for muscle strength (scale of 0-5)