1. Know the difference between subjective and objective data
o Subjective data (symptom) - is what the client (or family
member) tells you
o Objective data (sign) - is measurable like vital signs or lab
results, or what the nurse observes, feels, hears, and smells.
2. Know the components of General Survey, Past Health History, and
Comprehensive Health History
o General survey – physical appearance, body structure, mobility,
and behavior
o Past health history – childhood illnesses,
hospitalization/surgeries, accidents/injuries, major
diseases/illnesses, immunizations, recent
travel/military services, and date of last
examination
o Comprehensive health history – health history, past health
history, family history, review of symptoms, HEENT,
respiratory, cardiovascular, breast, gastrointestinal,
genitourinary, female/male reproductive, musculoskeletal,
and neurological, and psychosocial profile
3. Remember not to provide false assurances to patients, only facts
4. Familiarize yourself with cultural competence
o Cultural competence – caregivers apply a universal concept of
understanding to all contextual aspects of care
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, 5. Study the different types of nutritional assessments (food diary, 24-hour
recall, calorie count, etc.)
o History – the nurse needs to consider items such as eating
patterns, changes in appetite or taste, illnesses, food allergies,
medications, family history, etc
o Food diary – The food diary is the most comprehensive
method. It requires the client to write down everything they
eat and drink over a period, e.g. a week or
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