Which set of items is typically included in a comprehensive head-to-toe assessment?

• A. General survey and vital signs only
• B. HEENT, neck, chest/lungs, heart, abdomen
• C. General survey, vital signs, HEENT, neck, chest/lungs, heart, abdomen, extremities, neurological status, skin
• D. Neurological examination only

Answer: (C)

A comprehensive head-to-toe assessment is a complete, systematic examination of the patient from top to bottom, documenting general status and then each body system. It starts with a general survey and vital signs to establish baseline and overall condition, then moves through the major areas: HEENT (head, eyes, ears, nose, throat), neck, chest and lungs, heart, abdomen, extremities, neurological status, and skin. This full set is best because it ensures every major area is evaluated, providing a complete picture and enabling early detection of changes across systems. Sets that include only general survey and vital signs miss many body regions; sets that cover only a few regions omit important aspects like extremities, neurological function, and skin; and focusing only on neurological examination is far too narrow to capture the patient’s overall health status.