Ncm 101 Health Assessment Ppt 2.pptx

NCM 101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT DIANNA ROSE BELEN, RN, LPT

COLLECTING OBJECTIVE DATA: THE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

• Objective data include information about the client that the nurse directly observes during interaction with the client and information elicited through physical assessment (examination) techniques.

• To become proficient with physical assessment skills, the nurse must have basic knowledge in three areas:  Types and operation of equipment needed for the particular examination (e.g., penlight, sphygmomanometer, otoscope, tuning fork, stethoscope)  Preparation of the setting, oneself, and the client for the physical assessment  Performance of the four assessment techniques: inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.

PREPARING THE PHYSICAL SETTING

• Examination setting must meet the following conditions: • Comfortable, warm room temperature: Provide a warm blanket if the room temperature cannot be adjusted. • Private area free of interruptions from others: Close the door or pull the curtains if possible.

• Firm examination table or bed at a height that prevents stooping: A roll-up stool may be useful when it is necessary for the examiner to sit for parts of the assessment. • A bedside table/tray to hold the equipment needed for the examination

PREPARING ONESELF • assess your own feelings and anxieties before examining the client. • Achieve self- confidence in performing a physical assessment by practicing the techniques on a classmate, friend, or relative. • Another important aspect of preparing yourself for the physical assessment examination is preventing the transmission of infectious agents.

CONT’D • Wash your hands before beginning the examination, immediately after accidental direct contact with blood or other body fluids, and after completing the physical examination or after removing gloves. • Always wear gloves if there is a chance that you will come in direct contact with blood or other body fluids.

CONT’D • If a pin or other sharp object is used to assess sensory perception, discard the pin and use a new one for your next client. • Wear a mask and protective eye goggles if you are performing an examination in which you are likely to be splashed with blood or other body fluid droplets.

APPROACHING AND PREPARING THE CLIENT • explain to the client that the physical assessment will follow and describe what the examination will involve. • Respect the client’s desires and requests related to the physical examination.

• Begin the examination with the less intrusive procedures such as measuring the client’s temperature, pulse, blood pressure, height, and weight. • Throughout the examination, continue to explain what procedure you are performing and why you are performing it.