As pharmacists expand their scope of practice under
new legislation (SB493), physical assessment is a key
skill necessary for advanced practice. This 21 hour
course will prepare the pharmacist to obtain a
history and perform a basic physical examination
that will enable them to assess and monitor drug
therapy. The course will employ written materials,
videos, lectures, demonstrations and hands on
practice and feedback
Objectives for Pharmacists
At the conclusion of the course the pharmacist attendee will be able to:
1. Explain the components of effective communication to obtain a comprehensive health history.
2. Perform a basic physical assessment of the following organ systems using the appropriate
assessment tools: Vitals, Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat (HEENT), Cardiovascular, Respiratory,
Gastrointestinal, Dermatological, Musculoskeletal and Central Nervous System.
3. Review medical records and document findings in a SOAP format.
INCLUDED IN COURSE FEE
Physical Assessment Kit which includes the following:
Stethoscope, Sphygmomanometer, Pocket Illuminator and
Diagnostic Penlight, Otoscope, Hammer, Pulse Oximeter
Course Goals
The Health History
The pharmacist will be able to:
1. Explain the components, content, and organization
of the health history (e.g. chief complaint, history of
present illness, past medical history, etc.)
2. Obtain information to present in the S.O.A.P.
format of documentation
3. Utilize different methods of obtaining a focused
descriptive history of present illness/problem :
including the “Seven attributes,” “OPQRST,” and
“SCHOLARMAC”
4. Determine the utility of a focused review of systems
(ROS)
5. Propose a plan of action after a health assessment in
disease management
Physical Examination Techniques
Vitals
The pharmacist shall be able to:
1. Demonstrate the appropriate technique for
obtaining vital signs in adults
2.Accurately measure blood pressure using a manual
and automated sphygmomanometer
3.Accurately measure the pulse rate and respiratory
rate
4.Accurately measure the oxygen saturation level
using a pulse oximeter
5.Accurately measure the glucose level using a blood
glucose monitor
6.Recogize the normal ranges of vital signs in adults
Examination of the Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat
(HEENT)
The pharmacist shall be able to:
1.Identify the normal structures of the head, eyes,
ears, nose and throat
2. Properly use the otoscope
3. Examine the head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat and
recognize selected abnormal findings
Examination of the Cardiovascular System
The pharmacist shall be able to:
1. Properly auscultate the heart using a stethoscope
2.Recognize and properly identify the normal S1 and
S2 sounds
3.Recognize and properly identify selected abnormal
rhythms
4. Palpate the carotid and radial pulse
5. Properly measure and grade pretibial edema
Examination of the Respiratory System
The pharmacist will be able to:
1. Properly auscultate the lungs using a stethoscope
2.Recognize and identify normal and selected
abnormal breath sounds
3. Define the pathophysiology of abnormal sounds of
wheezing and crackles
4. Define percussion and specialty exams and the
reason for performing them.
Examination of the Gastrointestinal System
The pharmacist will be able to:
1.Identify where the internal organs are located within
the abdomen
2. Palpate the abdomen to examine for tenderness and
rebound
3.Auscultate the abdomen for bowel sounds in all 4
quadrants
4. Define percussion and specialty exams and the
reason for performing them.
Examination of the Musculoskeletal System
The pharmacist will be able to:
1.Assess major joints for range of motion
2.Assess muscular strength using the 5 point grading
system
Examination of the Dermatological System
The pharmacist will be able to:
1. Describe and analyze the clinical features associated
with common dermatological lesions and druginduced
dermatological reactions
2. Design a management plan for both common
dermatological lesions and drug-induced reactions
3.Recognize "red flag" signs and symptoms and initiate
referrals
Examination of the Neuro/psychiatric system
The pharmacist will be able to:
1. Assess, screen and triage cerebellar function
2. Recognize signs and symptoms of benign positional
vertigo vs. orthostasis
3. Assess and monitor diabetic neuropathy
4. Assess deep tendon reflex (DTR) of the patellar
and Achilles tendon
5. Utilize screening tools for depression and memory
impairment
Document encounters using the SOAP format
The pharmacist will be able to:
1. Document a patient encounter using the SOAP
format
Target Audience: Pharmacists
Activity Type: Practice
There will be a pre and post examination for this course.
Additionally, the participants must obtain
successful performance on the physical
assessment practicum along with the
completion of the physical exam skills sheet
checklist. Participants will be responsible to
obtain the faculty initials on the skills checklist
for completion and credit. After completion of all the
requirements CPE credit will be electronically uploaded
to participants CPE monitor account after they successfully
complete their exams and evaluation online.
CE Coordinator Contact
Information
Renee Cook
Director of Professional Development & Community Outreach
WesternU College of Pharmacy
Phone: 909-706-3826 • Fax: 909-469-5539
Email: rcook@westernu.edu
Cancellations made 10 days in advance of class date are fully refundable less a $25 administrative fee.
If cancelled in less than 10 days, there is no refund, however, you may reschedule for a future class.
http://www.westernu.edu/pharmacy/pharmacy-outreach-events/pharmacy-continuing-education/
