The nurse is caring for a trauma patient who has just arrived to the emergency room.The nurse listens to the patient's lung sounds,palpates the patient's peripheral pulses,and obtains vital signs.What is the best description of the nurse's actions?

A) Establishing priorities for outcomes
B) Performing a physical examination
C) Demonstrating diagnostic reasoning
D) Setting time frames for interventions

A physical examination involves use of the techniques of inspection,palpation,percussion,auscultation,and smell.A complete examination includes a patient's height,weight,vital signs,general appearance and behavior,and a head-to-toe examination of all body systems.Establishing priorities for outcomes,setting time frames for interventions,and diagnostic reasoning occur after the nursing assessment and physical examination are completed.