Skill Performance Evaluation: Musculoskeletal Examination; Spine

Directions: You will have 10 minutes to complete the skill. All critical (C) steps and 80% of the noncritical steps
must be performed or verbalized.
Start: End:
Performed Verbalized
Washes hands and dons appropriate personal protective equipment. C
Introduces self to patient using first and last name. Y/N
Notes general appearance and vital signs. Y/N
General Appearance
1. Note position of head and posture of neck and trunk Y/N Y/N
Inspection
1. Assess cervical, thoracic and lumbar curves for increased or decreased concavity or
Y/N Y/N
convexity
2. Assess for straight line from C7 through gluteal cleft Y/N Y/N
3. Assess alignment of shoulders and iliac crests with patient standing erect and then in
Y/N Y/N
flexion, noting asymmetry
4. Note ease of gait Y/N Y/N
Palpation
1. Palpate spinous processes for tenderness or step-off Y/N Y/N
2. Palpate cervical facets for tenderness Y/N Y/N
3. Palpate paravertebral muscles for tenderness or spasm Y/N Y/N
4. Palpate sacroiliac joints for tenderness Y/N Y/N
5. Palpate for tenderness in any other areas suggested by patient’s symptoms S Y/N
Percussion
1. Fist percussion over spinous processes for tenderness S Y/N
Range of Motion (ROM)
1. Neck: flexion, extension, rotation, lateral bending Y/N Y/N
2. Spine: flexion, extension, rotation, lateral bending Y/N Y/N
3. Note location of localized or radiating pain or any limited ROM Y/N
Adequate exposure was maintained for all inspection steps. C
Adequate draping was maintained for all steps. C
Evaluation: #Y = #C =
min. = 22/27 min. = 3
Comments on quality of performance: Needs remediation?

Y/N

Student: Evaluator: Date:

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and History Taking, Twelfth Edition. Copyright © 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health