Acute Kidney Injury Formerly known as acute renal failure, acute kidney injury (AKI) is a reversible rapid reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) or kidney function, resulting in an increase in serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and metabolic waste...

Affirming Care for Patients who are LGBTQIA2+ Affirming care recognizes the significant impact of sexual and gender minority (SGM) status on a person’s health and is critical to ensuring SGM patients receive culturally competent and clinically appropriate care (McElwain & Carr, 2021...

Amenorrhea The menstrual cycle is an important indicator of a female’s health. Disruptions of this cycle are common complaints seen by both women’s health and primary care providers. Amenorrhea is the absence of menses and can occur for a variety...

Breast Assessment Breast examination is an important aspect of the detection, diagnosis, and surveillance of breast diseases. Current guidelines for frequency of female clinical breast examination are outlined below. Patient reports of breast pain, lumps, nipple...

Cardiovascular Assessment Focused cardiovascular assessment begins with taking a health history. While doing so, observe carefully for signs of inadequate perfusion or circulation, such as cyanosis, skin changes, dyspnea, or edema. Order of examination is performed as...

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is caused by compression of the median nerve along the carpal tunnel with symptoms such as numbness, tingling, hand and arm pain, and muscle dysfunction (Kothari, 2022). CTS is a common disorder affecting approximately...

Chronic Kidney Disease Previously referred to as chronic renal failure, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive, irreversible loss of kidney function resulting in reduced filtration, build-up of toxins and fluid, and electrolyte imbalances. Continued decline in...

Cranial Nerves There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves, which are assigned Roman numerals I through XII. Most of the cranial nerves are named for their function, such as the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information. The cranial nerves...

Digital Rectal Exam Digital rectal examination begins with a detailed health history, while ensuring patient privacy. Carefully observe for nonverbal cues of pain or discomfort. Obtain consent for the examination and secure a chaperone. Order of examination is...

Fundoscopic Exam A fundoscopy, also known as ophthalmoscopic, retinal, or funduscopic exam, is a test used to screen for eye disorders, injuries, and diseases. It can be one of the more challenging procedures performed during both routine physical examinations and...

Gastrointestinal Assessment The focused gastrointestinal system assessment begins with taking a detailed health history. While doing so, observe carefully for non-verbal signs of pain or discomfort. The order of examination is performed as inspection, auscultation...

General Assessment Focused general assessment begins with taking a detailed health history regarding constitutional symptoms. This examination involves a general survey of the patient, measurement of vital signs, and pain assessment.Optimal Patient...