Materials and Equipments for Physical Assessment

SUPPLIES PURPOSE
Flashlight or Penlight To assist viewing of the pharynx and cervix
To determine the reactions of the pupils of the
eye
Head Mirror To direct light to a specific body area
Laryngeal or Dental Mirror To observe pharynx and oral cavity

Nasal Speculum To permit visualization of the lower and

middle turbinates;
Usually a penlight is used for illumination
Percussion (reflex) Hammer An instrument with a rubber head to test
reflexes.
Neurologic Hammer To test reflexes during Neurologic Assessment
and sensory discrimination
Ophthalmoscope A lighted instrument to visualize the interior of
the eye
Otoscope A lighted instrument to visualize the eardrum
and external auditory canal
Smells (1 or 2 Vials) To test the sense of smell
Sphygmomanometer and cuff To measure the blood pressure
Stethoscope To ausculate body sounds
Thermometer To measure body temperature
Tuning Fork A two pronged metal instrument used to test
hearing acuity and vibratory sense
Vaginal Speculum To assess the cervix and the vagina
Ayre Spatula To obtain a cervical scrape
Assorted containers and slides For specimens
Cotton Applicators To obtain specimens
Disposable pads To absorb liquid
Drapes To cover the client
Gauze Dressings To cover wounds
Gloves To protect the nurse
Lubricant To ease insertion of instruments
Sterile safety pins To test sensory function
Tongue Blades (depressors) To depress the tongue during assessment of the
 mouth and pharynx
Snellen Chart Used as screening test for vision