The Physical Assessment

• Begins when you first meet the individual
• Watch how they move
• Observe their body language
• Do they appear their stated age?
• Are they alert and oriented?
• Skin tone
• Symmetric features
• Nutritional state
• Are they in acute distress?

Carotid Pulses

• Palpate each carotid artery separately
• Avoid excessive pressure when feeling the pulse
• Feel for the contour and amplitude of the pulse
• Should feel the same bilaterally
• Carotid pulses can relate important information on the patients cardiac function because of their proximity to the heart