Health Assessment
Purpose
Before any nursing plan of care or intervention can be implemented or evaluated, the nurse assesses the individual through the collection of both subjective and objective data. The data collected are used to determine areas of need or problems to be addressed by the nursing care plan. This assignment will focus on collecting subjective assessment data, synthesizing the data, and on identifying health/wellness priorities based on the findings. The purpose of the assignment is two-fold:
· To recognize the interrelationships of subjective data (physiological, psychosocial, cultural/spiritual, and developmental) affecting health and wellness.
· To reflect on the interactive process between self and client when conducting a health assessment.
Course Outcomes: This assignment enables the student to meet the following course outcomes:
CO 1: Explain expected patient behaviors while differentiating between normal findings, variations, and abnormalities. (PO 1)
CO 2: Utilize prior knowledge of theories and principles of nursing and related disciplines to integrate clinical judgment in professional decision-making and implementation of the nursing process while obtaining a physical assessment. (POs 4 and 8)
CO 3: Recognize the influence that developmental stages have on physical, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual functioning. (PO 1)
CO 4: Utilize effective communication when performing a health assessment. (PO 3)
CO 5: Demonstrate beginning skill in performing a complete physical examination, using the techniques of inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. (PO 2)
CO 6: Identify teaching/learning needs from the health history of an individual. (POs 2 and 5)
CO 7: Explore the professional responsibilities involved in conducting a comprehensive health assessment and providing appropriate documentation. (POs 6 and 7)
Due date: Your faculty member will inform you when this assignment is due. The Late Assignment Policy applies to this assignment.
Total points possible: 100 points
Preparing the assignment
Follow these guidelines when completing this assignment. Speak with your faculty member if you have questions.
1. Complete a health assessment/history on an individual of your choice who is 18 years of age or older and NOT a family member or close friend.
a. The purpose of this restriction is to avoid any tendency to anticipate answers or to influence how the questions are answered. Your goal in choosing an interviewee is to simulate the interaction between you and an individual for whom you would provide care.
b. Inform the individual that information obtained will be kept confidential and do not use identifying information within the assignment.