Chapter 2. Patient Assessment Show A comprehensive head-to-toe assessment is done on patient admission, at the beginning of each shift, and when it is determined to be necessary by the patient’s hemodynamic status and the context. The head-to-toe assessment includes all the body systems, and the findings will inform the health care professional on the patient’s overall condition. Any unusual findings should be followed up with a focused assessment specific to the affected body system. A physical examination involves collecting objective data using the techniques of inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation as appropriate (Wilson & Giddens, 2013). Checklist 17 outlines the steps to take. Checklist 17: Head-to-Toe Assessment
Which assessments should a nurse perform?A nursing assessment may include, but is not limited to the following:. environmental assessment.. cultural assessment.. physical assessment.. psychological assessment.. safety assessment.. psychosocial assessment.. What is system assessment in nursing?Head-to-toe assessments or systems assessments include all the body systems and a systematic approach to collecting data. They provide the nurse with an overall understanding of each patient.
Which assessment should the nurse complete first?A thorough medical history and physical assessment will be useful but is not the first action the nurse must take. The physician should be notified but the nurse must assess vital signs first.
In what order do you complete your physical assessment of each system?Order of physical assessment: Inspect, palpate, percuss, auscultate.
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