NURSING ESSAY NOTES
7. Explain the process of health assessment including health history
and physical examination?
It is the systematic collection of objective information that is directly
observed or is elicited through examination techniques. Physical
examination involves the use of one's senses to obtaininformation
about the structure and function of an area being observed or
manipulated. It is the thorough inspection or a detailed study of the
entire body or some parts of the body to determine the general
physical or mental conditions of the body.
Purpose
1. To understand the physical and mental well-being of the clients.
2. To detect diseases in its early stage.
3. To determine the cause and the extent of disease.
4. To understand any changes in the condition of diseases, any
improvement or regression.
5. To determine the nature of the treatment or nursing care needed
for the client.
6. To safeguard the client and his family by noting the early
signs especially in case of a communicable disease. 7. To contribute
to the medical research.
8. To find out whether the person is medically fit or not for a
particular task.
Techniques of Physical Examination
The four basic techniques used in physical examination are explained
as follows:
, Inspection
It is the systematic visual examination of the client, or it is the
process of performing deliberate purposeful observation in a
systematic manner. It involves observation of the color, shape, size,
symmetry, position and movements. It also use the sense of smell to
detect odor, and sense of hearing to detect sounds. Inspection
begins with the initial contact with the client and continues through
the entire assessment. The optimal conditions for effective
inspection are full exposure of the area and adequate lighting.
General inspection of a client focuses on the following areas:
Overall appearance of health or illness
Signs of distress
Facial expression and mood
Body size
Grooming and personal hygiene
Besides being used in general survey, inspection is the first method
used in examination of a specific area. The chest and abdomen are
inspected before palpation and auscultation.
Palpation
It is use of the hands and fingers to gather information through
touch. It is the assessment technique which uses sense of touch. It is
feeling the body or part with hands to note the size and position of
the organs.
The hands and fingers are sensitive tools and can assess
temperature, turgor, texture, moisture, vibrations, size, position,
consistency, masses and fluid. The dorsum (back) surfaces of the
hand and fingers are used to measure temperature. The palmar
(front) surfaces of the fingers and finger pads are used to assess
7. Explain the process of health assessment including health history
and physical examination?
It is the systematic collection of objective information that is directly
observed or is elicited through examination techniques. Physical
examination involves the use of one's senses to obtaininformation
about the structure and function of an area being observed or
manipulated. It is the thorough inspection or a detailed study of the
entire body or some parts of the body to determine the general
physical or mental conditions of the body.
Purpose
1. To understand the physical and mental well-being of the clients.
2. To detect diseases in its early stage.
3. To determine the cause and the extent of disease.
4. To understand any changes in the condition of diseases, any
improvement or regression.
5. To determine the nature of the treatment or nursing care needed
for the client.
6. To safeguard the client and his family by noting the early
signs especially in case of a communicable disease. 7. To contribute
to the medical research.
8. To find out whether the person is medically fit or not for a
particular task.
Techniques of Physical Examination
The four basic techniques used in physical examination are explained
as follows:
, Inspection
It is the systematic visual examination of the client, or it is the
process of performing deliberate purposeful observation in a
systematic manner. It involves observation of the color, shape, size,
symmetry, position and movements. It also use the sense of smell to
detect odor, and sense of hearing to detect sounds. Inspection
begins with the initial contact with the client and continues through
the entire assessment. The optimal conditions for effective
inspection are full exposure of the area and adequate lighting.
General inspection of a client focuses on the following areas:
Overall appearance of health or illness
Signs of distress
Facial expression and mood
Body size
Grooming and personal hygiene
Besides being used in general survey, inspection is the first method
used in examination of a specific area. The chest and abdomen are
inspected before palpation and auscultation.
Palpation
It is use of the hands and fingers to gather information through
touch. It is the assessment technique which uses sense of touch. It is
feeling the body or part with hands to note the size and position of
the organs.
The hands and fingers are sensitive tools and can assess
temperature, turgor, texture, moisture, vibrations, size, position,
consistency, masses and fluid. The dorsum (back) surfaces of the
hand and fingers are used to measure temperature. The palmar
(front) surfaces of the fingers and finger pads are used to assess
