This product is an ASHP Learning Center https://elearning.ashp.org/ activity.
Overview
The Student: Physical Assessment Microcredential is designed for student pharmacists who are interested in building introductory physical assessment skills, as well as the ability to perform fundamental evaluations of cognitive and physical functioning. Topics addressed in the curriculum of this student microcredential include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Measurement of blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation
- Basic lung auscultation and cervical lymph node exam
- Evaluation of venous thromboembolism risk
- Selection of compression stockings
- Assessment of lower extremities
- Diabetic foot exam
- Assessments of older adults to detect the following: frailty, risk of falls, vision or hearing loss, cognitive decline, and signs and symptoms of abuse
- Orthostatic hypotension
The Student: Physical Assessment Microcredential is intended for student pharmacists and is not eligible for ACPE credit.
Student: Physical Assessment Microcredential Requirement
Once a learner has completed the educational curriculum, they will have the opportunity to complete an online comprehensive exam. Once the learner passes the exam (minimum 80% passing rate; unlimited attempts permitted), they will earn the statement of achievement and Credly badge for the microcredential.
Learning Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Describe the correct steps for measuring blood pressure based on recommendations from the American Heart Association.
- Select the correct cuff size when measuring blood pressure in an adult.
- Calculate a person’s heart rate using the radial pulse and via cardiac auscultation.
- Calculate a person’s respiratory rate.
- Identify a person’s resting and walking pulse oximetry.
- Identify if abnormal or normal respiratory sounds are present when auscultating the lungs.
- Assess the cervical lymph nodes.
- Explain what abnormal findings on a cervical lymph node exam may indicate.
- Summarize potential etiologies of orthostatic hypotension and when measurement for orthostasis is warranted.
- Assess a patient to determine if they have orthostatic hypotension.
- Assess lower extremities for edema, temperature, color changes, and wounds.
- Identify if pedal pulses are present on physical examination.
- Describe a foot exam for a person with diabetes based on their peripheral arterial disease status or loss of protective function per American Diabetes Association recommendations.
- Identify clinical features suggestive of venous thromboembolism utilizing the Wells' criteria to guide decision-making.
- Select compression stockings that are the correct size and pressure rating for a person based on the indication for use.
- Identify when an older adult should be referred for additional evaluation of their vision or hearing.
- Compare and contrast the Mini-Cog, Mini-Mental State Examination, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment tools for evaluating cognitive function in an older adult including the time for completion and sensitivity for detecting mild cognitive impairment, as well as limitations of their use.
- Assess an older adult for signs and symptoms of physical abuse.
- Identify the variables included in the Clinical Frailty Scale and Timed Up and Go assessments.
- Summarize how the Clinical Frailty Scale and Timed Up and Go assessment can inform medication management decision making for older adults.
Faculty
Kristin Watson, PharmD, MS, BCCP
Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner
Maryland Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Baltimore, Maryland