SKIN

1. Inspect the skin color.

2. Inspect the uniformity of skin color.
3. Assess edema, if present.
4. Inspect, palpate, and describe skin lesions.
Apply gloves if lesions are open or draining (Describe
lesions according to location, distribution, color,
configuration, size, shape, type, or structure)
5. Observe and palpate skin moisture.
6. Palpate skin temperature (compare the two feet and
two hands using the back of your fingers)
7. Note skin turgor by lifting and pinching the skin on an
extremity.
SCALP AND HAIR
1. Inspect the scalp and hair for general color and
condition.
2. At 1(one) inch intervals, separate the hair from the
scalp and inspect and palpate the hair and scalp for
cleanliness, and dryness or oiliness.
3. Note presence of infections or infestations by parting
the hair in several areas and checking behind the ears and
along the hairline at the neck.
4. Inspect the amount and distribution of body hair.
NAILS
1. Inspect finger nail plate shape to determine its
curvature and angle.
2. Inspect finger nail and toenail texture.
3. Inspect finger nail and toenail bed color.
4. Inspect tissues surrounding nails.
5. Perform blanch test of capillary refill.
(Press two or more nails between your thumb and index
fingers; look for blanching and return of pink color to
nail bed.)
HEAD AND FACE
1. Inspect the skull for size, shape and symmetry.
2. Palpate the skull for nodules or masses and
depressions. (use a gentle rotating motion with the
fingertips, begin at
the front and palpate down the midline, then palpate
each side of the head.)
3. Inspect the facial features.
4. Check function of CN VII (Facial) and note symmetry
of facial movement; have the client smile, frown, show
teeth, blow out cheeks, raise eyebrows, and tightly close
eyes.
5. Evaluate function of CN V (Trigeminal): Using the
sharp and dull sides of a paper clip, test sensations of
forehead, cheeks and chin.
6. Palpate temporal arteries for elasticity and tenderness.
7. As the client opens and closes mouth, palpate the
temporomandibular joint for tenderness, swelling and
crepitation.