OBJECTIVES: To assess how nursing students perform the physical examination of children regarding the use of instruments, the sequence of the procedures and the interaction with patients, and identify the phases of motivation and performance in the learning of this exam. METHODS: This is a descriptive study, using forms and observing students attending the course 'Semiology and sign and symptom interpretation' in a nursing undergraduate program in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. RESULTS: Most students felt motivated to perform the exam and interacted with the child under examination. By assessing student performance, it was possible to identify the difficulties they face using techniques to collecting data on anthropometric measurements, vital signs, auscultation, palpation, percussion, and inspection. CONCLUSION: The evaluation instrument was considered effective in allowing students to identify the features distinguishing normal from abnormal patterns in children.
Physical examination; Pediatric nursing; Education, nursing