Purpose of Health Assessment
Name three settings where nurses conduct health assessments.
Health fairs, screening clinics, and patient homes.
What is one goal of gathering baseline health information in an exam?
To establish a patient’s health status for future reference.
What physical examination skill involves listening to body sounds?
Auscultation.
Why is privacy important in a physical examination?
To ensure patient comfort and dignity.
Why should cultural sensitivity be observed during health assessments?
To respect cultural differences and make patients feel comfortable.
What approach assesses each body system starting from the head?
The Head-to-Toe Approach.
What are the two main components of a complete health assessment?
A nursing history and a behavioral and physical examination.
Name one reason a nurse might refute information during a physical exam.
To clarify or correct inconsistencies from the patient’s history.
Which skill uses the sense of smell to detect abnormalities?
Olfaction.
Name two environmental factors that should be controlled for comfort.
Good lighting and climate control.
Name a consideration when examining a patient of the opposite gender.
Ensure patient comfort and avoid stereotyping.
What is the purpose of a General Survey during the assessment?
To observe appearance, behavior, and initial vital signs.
What type of assessment focuses on a specific body system or issue?
A focused health assessment.
What clinical role does a physical exam play after treatment?
It helps evaluate the outcomes of care.
What does palpation assess in a physical exam?
Temperature, moisture, and texture of body parts.
What should the nurse do to help the patient feel comfortable before an exam?
Explain the procedure and address any patient concerns.
How should a nurse gain a child’s trust before an examination?
By speaking calmly, explaining in simple terms, and being gentle.
Why is it important to document findings systematically?
To maintain clear, organized, and accessible records for patient care.
Why do nurses perform health assessments?
To monitor health, identify diagnoses, and make clinical judgments.
What does identifying nursing diagnoses during an exam allow nurses to do?
To make clinical judgments and develop care plans
During percussion, what does tapping the body help assess?
The underlying structures and any abnormalities.
How does using Standard Precautions help during assessments
It minimizes the risk of infection
What is a key approach for examining older adults?
Allow extra time, minimize position changes, and review mental status.
When should subjective data be included in documentation?
When the patient provides information during history-taking.
How does a focused health assessment differ from a complete assessment?
It gathers information on a specific system or problem rather than a full health evaluation.
True or False: Physical exams are only used for admitting patients to a facility.
False; they are also used for routine screenings and patient check-ups.
What does inspection involve in a physical exam?
Using vision to distinguish normal from abnormal findings.
Why is it important to have all necessary equipment available before starting an assessment?
To avoid interruptions and ensure a smooth assessment process.
How can a nurse accommodate a patient’s health beliefs during an assessment?
By acknowledging and respecting alternative therapies or health practices.
What language should be used when recording objective findings?
Objective, clear, and using approved medical abbreviations.