Health Assessment I & II syllabus Course Description
The Health Assessment course provides an introduction to the essential content and skills required to assess the basic health status of individuals across different age groups. These skills are crucial for nursing care in a variety of clinical settings. Emphasis is placed on history taking and physical examination skills.
Course Objectives
By the completion of Year II, learners will be able to:
- Systematically assess the health status of an individual by obtaining a complete health history using appropriate interviewing skills.
- Utilize proper techniques of observation and physical examination to assess various body systems.
- Differentiate between normal and abnormal findings.
- Record findings in an appropriate manner.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the necessity to incorporate health assessment as a part of general nursing practice skills.
- Apply knowledge of growth and development, anatomy, physiology, and psychosocial skills in the assessment and analysis of collected data.
Teaching/Learning Strategies
- Pre-readings
- Experiential learning
- Videotaping
- Role-playing
- Lecture/discussion
- Quizzes
- Demonstration
- Movies
- Lab practice
Evaluation Criteria
- Midterm: 30%
- Performance Exam: 30%
- Final Exam: 40%
- Total: 100%
Health Assessment I Topics
UNIT I: Introduction to Health Assessment Concepts
- Discuss the need for health assessment in general nursing practice.
- Explain the concepts of health, assessment, data collection, and diagnosis.
- Identify types of health assessments.
- Document health assessment data using a problem-oriented approach.
UNIT II: Interviewing Skills and Health History
- Explain the purpose, process, and principles of interviewing.
- Describe the content and format used to obtain a health history.
- Discuss the process of investigating positive findings during the health history.
- Practice obtaining and recording a client health history.
- Utilize therapeutic skills in interactions with partners.
- Identify strengths and weaknesses through observation of a videotaped interaction and self/peer analysis.
- Interview patients in clinical settings and collect feedback from colleagues and faculty about the use of therapeutic communication.
UNIT III: Introduction to Physical Examination (PE) and the General Survey
- Identify the general principles of conducting an examination.
- Identify the equipment needed for physical examination.
- Describe the appropriate techniques of inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.
- Discuss the procedure and sequence for performing a general assessment.
- Discuss guidelines for documenting physical examinations.
- Document PE findings on an ongoing basis.
UNIT IV: Assessment of the Skin, Head & Neck
- Describe components of health history to elicit during the assessment of skin, head, and neck.
- Conduct specific assessments during the physical examination of these systems.
- Document findings and describe age-related changes in these areas.
UNIT V: Assessment of Nose, Mouth & Pharynx
- Describe components of health history for the assessment of the nose, mouth, and pharynx.
- Identify structural landmarks of these areas.
- Conduct specific assessments and document findings.
UNIT VI: Assessment of the Abdomen, Anus & Rectum
- Discuss pertinent health history questions for assessing the abdomen, anus, and rectum.
- Describe specific assessments to be made during the physical examination.
- Document findings and list age-related changes characteristic of these systems.
UNIT VII: Assessment of the Breast, Axilla & Genitalia
- Discuss health history questions for male and female breast and genitalia assessment.
- Perform breast examinations, including axillary nodes, and interpret findings.
- Discuss components of a genital exam for males and females.
- Review components of a comprehensive reproductive history.
- Document findings and list changes in these systems due to aging.
Health Assessment II Topics
Course Description
Health Assessment II continues to build upon the foundational skills necessary for assessing the health status of individuals across varying ages. These skills are essential for nursing care across diverse clinical environments, with an emphasis on physical examination and history taking.
Course Objectives
By the completion of this course, learners will be able to:
- Systematically assess the health status of individuals by obtaining a complete health history.
- Utilize proper observation techniques and physical examination skills for various body systems.
- Differentiate between normal and abnormal findings.
- Accurately record assessment findings.
- Integrate health assessment into their nursing practice.
- Apply knowledge of growth and development, anatomy, physiology, and psychosocial factors in the assessment and analysis of data.
Teaching/Learning Strategies
- Pre-readings
- Experiential learning
- Videotaping
- Role-playing
- Lecture/discussion
- Quizzes
- Demonstration
- Movies
- Lab practice
Evaluation Criteria
- Midterm: 30%
- Performance Exam: 30%
- Final Exam: 40%
- Total: 100%
UNIT I: Assessment of the Peripheral Vascular and Musculoskeletal Systems
- Discuss health history questions necessary for assessing the peripheral vascular system (PVS) and musculoskeletal system (MS).
- Assess critical observations for the PVS.
- Evaluate musculoskeletal functions including muscle strength, symmetry, size, contour, and range of motion (ROM).
- Document findings and list age-related changes in these systems.
UNIT II: Assessment of the Mental Status and Sensory Neuro System
- Perform a mental status examination on a client.
- Assess cranial nerve function, sensory perception, proprioception, cerebellar functions, and deep tendon reflexes.
- Document findings and list changes in the nervous system due to aging.
UNIT III: Assessment of the Cardiovascular System
- Describe health history components necessary for assessing the cardiovascular system.
- Identify landmarks of the chest.
- Describe pulse rate, rhythm, and pulsation characteristics, as well as PMI and heart sounds.
- Assess the cardiovascular system systematically and document findings.
- List age-related changes in the cardiovascular system.
UNIT IV: Assessment of Thorax and Lungs
- Describe health history components necessary for the respiratory system assessment.
- Assess chest contour, symmetry, respiratory rate, and pattern.
- Evaluate tactile fremitus, chest expansion, lung density, and diaphragmatic excursion.
- Perform inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation of the respiratory system.
- Document findings and note age-related changes in the respiratory system.
UNIT V: Assessment of the Eyes and Ears
- Identify health history components necessary for eye and ear examinations.
- Describe eye structure, position, and visual perception.
- Evaluate the characteristics of the cornea, sclera, pupil, lens, and fundi.
- Assess peripheral fields, auricle, external ear canal, and tympanic membrane.
- Perform eye and ear examinations and document findings.
- List changes in the eyes and ears characteristic of aging.
UNIT VI: Assessment of an Elderly Client
- Describe variations in history taking for elderly clients.
- Differentiate health assessment variations and examination techniques for elderly individuals.
UNIT VII: Assessment of Pediatric Clients
- Describe components of a thorough pediatric history, considering developmental levels.
- Differentiate health assessment norms for infants and children.
- Identify common examination techniques for pediatric health assessments.
Book References
- Bickley, L. S. (1999). Bates’ Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking (7th ed.). Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott.
- Cox, C. H. (1997). Clinical Applications of Nursing Diagnosis (3rd ed.).
- DeGowin, R. L., & Brown, D. D. (2000). Degowin’s Diagnostic Examination (7th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
This comprehensive curriculum for Health Assessment I & II ensures that nursing students acquire essential skills in health evaluation, preparing them to provide effective, evidence-based care to diverse patient populations. Through structured learning, students will gain confidence in their ability to assess health status and make informed decisions in their nursing practice.