A comprehensive health assessment gives nurses insight into a patient’s physical status through observation, the measurement of vital signs and self-reported symptoms. It includes a medical history, a general survey and a complete physical examination. Show
The general survey consists of a patient’s age, weight, height, build, posture, gait and hygiene. Nurses use health assessments to obtain baseline data about patients and to build a rapport with them that can ease anxiety and lead to a trusting relationship. A comprehensive health assessment is generally conducted at the time of admission into an acute care facility or during the first visit to an outpatient clinic. When nurses perform an assessment, they may use techniques such as: Inspection This is the most frequently used method for assessment. Nurses look for indications of a health problem by using their eyes, ears and nose. They may inspect skin color, lesions, bruises or rashes as well as pay attention to abnormal sounds and odors. Auscultation Nurses listen to the sounds of the abdomen by placing the diaphragm or bell of a stethoscope on the bare skin of a patient. Palpation Nurses apply varying degrees of pressure on the patient with different parts of their hands. Palpation allows nurses to assess for texture, tenderness, temperature, moisture, pulsations and the presence of masses. Percussion Nurses firmly press on sections of a patient’s body with the distal part the middle finger on their non-dominant hand. The technique is used directly over suspected areas of tenderness to check a patient’s level of discomfort. What Steps Are Involved in a Comprehensive Health Assessment?Typically, a comprehensive assessment begins with documenting a patient’s health history before starting a physical exam. According to AMN Healthcare Education Services, the health history includes: the patient’s medical complaint, present state of health, past health record, current lifestyle, psychosocial status and family history. The health history provides nurses with in-depth information about symptoms, childhood illnesses, related medical experiences and risks for developing certain diseases. After the health history data is recorded, a physical is conducted which covers a review of the patient’s body systems. A head to toe examination includes assessments of the following:
A thorough and accurate assessment is important because it helps differentiate the normal condition of the patient from the abnormal. And, a comprehensive health assessment establishes if a patient needs diagnostic testing or additional medical care. How Can Earning a BSN Improve a Nurse’s Assessment Skills?Nurses learn assessment skills in nursing school. An online RN to BSN program like the one offered by Eastern Illinois University (EIU) includes the course Advanced Nursing Health Assessment that prepares students to perform precise examination. The curriculum builds on a nurse’s basic nursing assessment proficiencies. Once nurses earn the BSN, they are prepared to give a comprehensive health assessment and apply the knowledge to make sound clinical judgements. A comprehensive health assessment is a crucial component in the nursing practice. Without it, nurses can have a difficult time pinpointing a patient’s medical requirements. It is not enough for patients to tell nurses what is wrong. Instead, nurses need to rely on the observations they record from physical examinations to decide on a course of action. By completing a systematic and efficient assessment, nurses are able to communicate with patients and help them take measures to maintain or manage their health. Learn more about Eastern Illinois University’s online RN to BSN program. Sources: RN.com: Overview of Nursing Health Assessment Nurse.org: How to Conduct a Head-to-Toe Assessment RegisteredNursing.org: Techniques of Physical Assessment: NCLEX-RN Health Science Journal: Health Assessment The Nerdy Nurse: Subjective Data Vs. Objective Data in Nursing Note: This guideline is currently under review
IntroductionAssessment is a key component of nursing practice, required for planning and provision of patient and family centred care. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) in the national competency standard for registered nurses states that nurses, “Conducts a comprehensive and systematic nursing assessment, plans nursing care in consultation with individuals/ groups, significant others & the interdisciplinary health care team and responds effectively to unexpected or rapidly changing situations. AimThe aim of this guideline is to ensure all RCH patients receive consistent and timely nursing assessments.
Definition of TermsAdmission assessment: Comprehensive nursing assessment including patient history, general appearance, physical examination and vital signs. Shift Assessment: Concise nursing assessment completed at the commencement of each shift or if patient condition changes at any other time. Focused assessment: Detailed nursing assessment of
specific body system(s) relating to the presenting problem or current concern(s) of the patient. This may involve one or more body system. Approach to physical assessment
Admission AssessmentAn admission assessment should be completed by the nurse with a parent or care giver, ideally upon arrival to the ward or preadmission, but must be completed within 24hours of admission. Admission assessment is in the admissions tab of the ADT navigator with additional
information being entered into the patient’s progress notes. Privacy of the patient needs to be considered all times. Patient historyNursing staff should discuss the history of current illness/injury (i.e. reason for current admission), relevant past history, allergies and reactions, medications, immunisation status, implants and family and social history. Recent overseas travel should be discussed and documented. General AppearanceAssessment of the patients’ overall physical, emotional and behavioral state. This should occur on admission and then continue to be observed throughout the patients stay in hospital.
Vital signsBaseline observations are recorded as part of an admission assessment and documented on the patient’s observation flowsheet. Ongoing assessment of vital signs are completed as indicated for your patient. It is mandatory to review the ViCTOR graph at least every 2 hours or as patient
condition dictates to observe trending of vital signs and to support your clinical decision making process.
Additional Measurements
Physical assessment:A structured physical examination allows the nurse to obtain a complete assessment of the patient. Observation/inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation are techniques used to gather information. Clinical judgment should be used to decide on the extent of assessment required. Assessment
information includes, but is not limited to: Primary assessment (Airway, Breathing, Circulation and Disability) and Focussed systems assessment. Information regarding each assessment criteria is specified comprehensively in the “Shift assessment” section below. Shift AssessmentAt the commencement of every shift an assessment is completed on every patient and this
information is used to develop a plan of care. Initial shift assessment is documented on the patient care plan and further assessments or changes to be documented in the progress notes. Clinical judgment should be used to decide on the extent of assessment required.
Focused AssessmentA detailed nursing assessment of specific body system(s) relating to the presenting problem or other current concern(s) required. This may involve one or more body system. Nursing staff should utilise their clinical judgement to determine which elements of a focussed assessment are pertinent for their patient. Neurological SystemA comprehensive neurological nursing assessment includes neurological observations, growth and development including fine and gross motor skills, sensory function, seizures and any other concerns. Neurological observations
Seizures
Growth & development
Fine & gross motor skills
Sensory functions
Respiratory System:Respiratory illness in children is common and many other conditions may also cause respiratory distress. Assessment of severity of respiratory conditions Respiratory assessment includes: History
Inspection/Observation
Auscultation
Palpation
CardiovascularAssessment of the cardiovascular system evaluates the adequacy of cardiac output and includes. Inspection
Palpation
Auscultation
GastrointestinalAssessment will include inspection, auscultation and light palpation of the abdomen to identify visible abnormalities; bowel sounds and softness/tenderness. Ensure stomach is not full at time of assessment as this may induce vomiting. History
Inspection
Palpation
Auscultation
RenalAn assessment of the renal system includes all aspects of urinary elimination
MusculoskeletalA musculoskeletal assessment can be commenced while observing the infant/child in bed or as they
move about their room. Be aware that during periods of rapid growth, children complain of normal muscle aches. Throughout this assessment limbs/joints should be compared bilaterally. Inspection
Palpation
Neurovascular observations
SkinSkin assessment can identify cutaneous problems as well as systemic diseases. Inspection/Observation
Palpate:
EyeInspection of the eye should always be performed carefully and only with a compliant child. Inspection/Observation
Ear/Nose/Throat (ENT)Assessment of ear, nose, throat and mouth is essential as upper respiratory infections, allergies; oral or facial trauma, dental caries and pharyngitis are common in children. This includes a thorough examination of the oral cavity.The examination of the throat and mouth is completed last in younger, less cooperative children. Inspection
Palpation
Evaluation of assessmentIn the evaluation phase of assessment, ensure the information collected is complete, accurate and documented appropriately. The nurse must draw on critical thinking and problem solving skills to make clinical decisions and plan care for the patient being assessed. If any abnormal findings are identified, the nurse must ensure that appropriate action is taken. This may include communicating the findings to the medical team, relevant allied health team and the ANUM in charge of the shift. Patients should be continuously assessed for changes in condition while under RCH care and assessments are documented regularly. Links
Evidence TableComplete evidence table document here. References:
Please remember to read the disclaimer. The development of this nursing guideline was coordinated by Mercy Thomas, Graduate Nurse Educator, Nursing Education, and approved by the Nursing Clinical Effectiveness Committee. Updated November 2017. What is a nurse assessing during palpation?Palpation: The nurse performs a complete breast examination using the finger tips to determine if any lumps are felt. The lymph nodes in the axillary areas are also palpated for any enlargement or swelling.
What physical assessment technique should a nurse use to obtain a pulse on a client?What physical assessment technique should a nurse use to obtain a pulse on a client? The nurse should use the light palpation technique to check the pulse of the client. Moderate and bimanual palpation is used to note the size, consistency, and mobility of the structures that are palpated.
For which assessment is the palpation technique appropriate?Palpation provides useful information to assess and evaluate findings related to temperature, texture, moisture, thickness, swelling, elasticity, contour, lumps/masses/deformities, consistency/density, organ location and size, vibration, pulsatility , crepitation , and presence of pain.
Which of the following areas should the technique of palpation be used as a part of the assessment?Palpation applies the sense of touch to assess these factors: texture, temperature, moisture, organ location and size, as well as any swelling, vibration or pulsation, rigidity or spasticity, crepitation, presence of lumps or masses, and presence of tenderness or pain.
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