How to assess patients presenting with musculoskeletal conditions

A musculoskeletal assessment includes an assessment of the active and passive range of motion, muscle strength testing and factors such as tenderness and inflammation of the joints. Understanding the key components is imperative for advanced nurse practitioners and other practitioners, who are the first point of contact for patients presenting with musculoskeletal conditions in primary care or other healthcare settings. This article provides a basic overview of the components that are used collectively to screen for, and assess, musculoskeletal conditions.

This article has been double-blind peer reviewed

Advanced practitioners

This series is aimed at nurses and midwives working at, or towards, advanced practice. Advanced practitioners are educated at master's level and are assessed as competent to make autonomous decisions in assessing, diagnosing and treating patients. Advanced assessment and interpretation is based on a medical model, and the role of advanced practitioners is to integrate this into a holistic package of care.