Physical Assessment In Advanced Practice Nursing

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During the exam, the advanced practice nurse would begin the physical assessment based on observation. The clinician would be looking for signs of growth failure, peripheral perfusion issues, or cyanosis (Etoom & Ratnapalan, 2014). The next steps of physical assessment would include vital signs, assessing the peripheral and central pulses, precordium exam, palpation, and auscultation (Etoom & Ratnapalan, 2014). The apex as noted in the case scenario is at the fourth intercostal space in the midclavicular line and is felt during the first heart sounds (Etoom & Ratnapalan, 2014). The clinician would auscultate the heart sounds in the mitral, tricuspid, pulmonary, and aortic areas of the heart by listening systemically for normal sounds (Etoom