DE LA SALLE LIPA

COLLEGE OF NURSING

Nursing Care Management _101

Procedural Checklist in
Assessment of Musculoskeletal System

Name: Year/Sec: Rating:

General Objective:

Given simulated situations/conditions, the students will be able to systematically assess,

observe and perform the assessment of musculoskeletal system.

Specific Objectives:
1. Perform a systematic assessment of the musculoskeletal system.
2. Describe normal findings in the physical assessment of the musculoskeletal system.
3. Describe abnormal findings in the physical assessment of the musculoskeletal system.
4. Perform accurate documentation.

CRITERIA:
Item Descriptors Verbal Interpretation
Weight
1.0 Excellent Performed the procedure with great ease and confidence, observing
work ethics (prudent, accepts criticisms and suggestions), able to
rationalize scientifically and shows diligence in documenting
observations at all times .
0.75 Satisfactory Performed the procedure with less confidence and requires close
supervision, observing work ethics (prudent, accepts criticisms and
suggestions), able to rationalize scientifically and shows minimal
diligence in documenting observations.
0.5 Needs Failed to perform the procedure, unable to function well and needs
Improvement repeated specific/ detailed guidance or direction.

Skills – 20 points 1.0 0.75 0.5 Remarks

1. Prepare all the materials/supplies to be used (tape measure,
goniometer). Explain the procedure to client. Ask the client to put
on a gown.
2. Interview the client about his/her current symptoms, medical
history, family history and lifestyle and health practices
GAIT
3. Observe gait for base, weight bearing stability, feet position,
stride, arm wing and posture.

TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT
4. Inspect, palpate and test for range of motion (ROM)
STERNOCLAVICULAR JOINT
5. Inspect and palpate for midline location, swelling, and masses

SPINE AND SHOULDER

6. Inspect and palpate cervical, thoracic, lumbar spine, for pain and
tenderness.
Test ROM of cervical spine.
Test ROM of thoracic and lumbar spine.
Test for leg and back pain.
Measure leg length.
ELBOWS, WRISTS, HANDS AND FINGERS

7. Inspect and palpate elbows for size, shape, deformities, redness

and swelling.
Test ROM of elbows.
Inspect and palpate wrists for size, shape, symmetry, color, swelling,
tenderness and nodules.
Test ROM of wrists.
Test for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Inspect and palpate hands and fingers for size, shape, symmetry,
color, swelling, tenderness and nodules.
Test ROM of hands and fingers.

HIPS
8. Inspect and palpate hips for shape and symmetry.
Test ROM of hips.
KNEES, ANKLES AND FEET
9. Inspect and palpate knees for size, shape, symmetry, deformities,
pain and alignment.
Test knees for swelling. If small amount of fluid is
present do “bulge test”. If large amount oof fluid is present do
“ballottement test”.
Test ROM of knees.
Perform McMurray Test if client complains of “clicking” in knee.
Inspect and palpate ankles and feet for position, alignment, shape,
skin tenderness, temperature, swelling and nodules.
Test ROM of ankles and toes.
10. Evaluate patient’s reaction to the procedure. Return all materials
into proper places. Wash hands properly.

Comments:

Strengths & Weaknesses:

Conforme: Evaluated by:

____________________________
Student’s Signature CI’s Signature

Date: Date: