How do you assess gait during a physical assessment?

Assessing gait during a physical assessment involves observing the patient’s walking pattern to identify various characteristics such as stability, coordination, and any abnormalities. This method is crucial because gait can reveal important information about a patient's musculoskeletal and neurological health. When observing, the clinician looks for factors like balance, the rhythm of walking, stride length, and any asymmetry or irregularities. Such observations can help in diagnosing conditions related to the nervous system, musculoskeletal disorders, or issues with balance that could affect the patient's mobility.

The other options do not directly pertain to gait assessment. Asking a patient about their health history provides context but does not involve the physical observation of gait itself. Measuring heart rate while walking might offer insight into cardiovascular responses but not specifically into the characteristics of gait. Evaluating muscle strength is important for understanding overall physical health but does not focus on the specific mechanics of walking. Thus, observing the walking pattern is the most relevant method for assessing gait.