Course Overview
Health Assessment teaches comprehensive physical examination techniques essential for nursing practice across all patient ages. Students master vital signs collection (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure), perform systematic head-to-toe assessments, conduct organ-specific examinations (cardiac, respiratory, abdominal, neurological), and document findings accurately. The course emphasizes cultural competence, patient comfort, and clinical reasoning to interpret normal versus abnormal findings and communicate assessment results to the healthcare team.
Learning Objectives
- Collect and interpret vital signs accurately with understanding of normal ranges across age groups
- Perform systematic head-to-toe physical assessments using inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation
- Conduct focused assessments of specific body systems including cardiac, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and neurological
- Document assessment findings using standardized terminology and appropriate charting formats
- Differentiate normal findings from abnormal signs requiring immediate intervention
- Apply assessment techniques across the lifespan considering developmental and cultural variations
Lecture Topics
- Week 1: Assessment Fundamentals - Techniques and Equipment
- Week 1: Vital Signs Collection and Interpretation (Temperature, Pulse, Respirations)
- Week 2: Blood Pressure Assessment and Hypertension Management
- Week 2: Head and Neck Examination - HEENT (Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat)
- Week 3: Cardiac Assessment - Heart Sounds, Murmurs, and Palpations
- Week 3: Pulmonary Assessment - Lung Sounds and Respiratory Patterns
- Week 4: Abdominal Assessment - Bowel Sounds, Palpation, and Distension
- Week 5: Neurological Assessment - Mental Status, Cranial Nerves, Reflexes
- Week 5: Musculoskeletal and Extremity Assessment
- Week 6: Skin Assessment - Lesions, Wounds, and Integrity
- Week 7: Assessment Documentation and Charting Standards
- Week 8: Age-Specific and Culturally Sensitive Assessment
Course Quiz
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Flashcards
Resources
Jarvis Health Assessment Textbook (4th edition)
Comprehensive guide with detailed photos and step-by-step assessment techniques across all body systems.
RequiredPhysical Examination and Health Assessment Video Library
Demonstration videos showing proper technique for each assessment component with normal findings.
RequiredBates' Pocket Guide to Physical Examination
Quick reference for normal findings and abnormal presentations across body systems.
FreeSimulation Lab: Assessment Practice Stations
Hands-on practice with mannequins and standardized patients to master assessment techniques.
Required