General Observations

Key Points:

• How does the patient present themself?
• “Attitude” of the injured part.
• Type of wound(s).

General Observations: Simple observations of the patient on entry to the room provide significant information. These observations may include their attitude, pain severity, posture imbalance, etc. More in-depth observations and evaluation will include the following on examination:

• Scars, open lacerations, and soft tissue injury.
• Signs of motor dysfunction.
  • E.g., humeral head subluxation may indicate deltoid muscle dysfunction.
• Signs of complex regional pain syndrome.
  • Dry, hot, pink skin.
    Edema, induration.
    Sweaty, cold, blue skin.
    Dry, cracked, thin skin.
    Loss of creases at joints.
    Abnormal hair and nail growth.
• Joint contractures.