health assesment m4

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Health Assessment

Abiodun Kassim

Rasmussen University

Professor Ceaira Moore

October 31st, 2022

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Health Assessment

Various assessment techniques are outlined in the textbook. They include inspection,

which alludes to the evaluation of the body systems of patients using sensory systems. The

process entails visualizing the changes that have occurred in the body of ailing individuals,

smelling any odors, and hearing any sounds emanating from them (Kutah, 2021). Some of the

findings compiled from patients when using this assessment model include changes in

coloration, size, and texture of the body parts precipitated by ailments.

Another vital assessment technique that is used in the clinical setting is palpation.

Palpation refers to the process of using the hands to identify changes in the patient's body. The

process comprises touching different parts of the body to identify any changes that have occurred

that are vital to the treatment process (Kutah, 2021). Palpations can be classified as light or deep,

depending on the pressure used during the process (Kutah, 2021). It is vital in the step of

identifying changes in the shape and size of internal and external organs and other maladaptive

transformations such as increased tenderness and changes in the shape of organs.

The third assessment technique that is used in the clinical setting is percussions. This

procedure is used to check the location and components of organs. The process can either be

conducted directly or indirectly (Kutah, 2021). Auscultation is also a vital assessment technique

that alludes to listening to the sounds produced by different organs with the help of a medical

device known as a stethoscope. It is important to use the assessment technique in a particular

order because some of the processes interfere with the outcomes of others (Kutah, 2021). For

example, palpation changes the sounds in the bowel; hence it is important to auscultate before

percussing or palpating.

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The primary characteristic of a general survey includes that it compiles general

information from a client, such as their age, body weight, height, and level of cleanliness. Also, it

is carried out in an informal setting; hence it allows the healthcare provider to establish a trusting

relationship with the patient that will enhance the effectiveness of the interaction between them

and help in compiling comprehensive data that is vital to the process of diagnosis and treatment

(Kutah, 2021). In addition, the contact between a patient and the healthcare provider during a

general survey is often minimal.

The FLACC scale is an example of a pain scale often used in the clinical setting. FLACC

measures the intensity of the painful sensations that patients are experiencing by analyzing

significant values, including their facial expression or movement, the position and movement of

their legs, the activities they are engaging in, and whether they are crying or are relatively calm

(Paza, 2019). Observation of these vital elements in the patients aids in classifying the intensity

of their discomfort and the treatment approach that would be useful in relieving it. The scale was

used to assess a patient with a throbbing right-sided headache. The findings that were compiled

during the process indicated a score of two on the face, which meant that the patient was in

excruciating pain. On the other hand, on the portion of legs and activity, the patient scored one in

each. Consequently, in cry and controllability, she scored one each totaling a score of 6 (Paza,

2019). The high score implied that the patient was in intense pain and hence needed a strong

pain-relieving medication that would lessen the painful sensations and increase her level of

comfort.

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References

Kutah, O. A. (2021). Physical Assessment Techniques Performed by Jordanian Registered

Nurses (RNs): Survey Study. American Journal of Nursing, 10(1), 41–48.

Paza, J. C. (2019). CHAPTER Acute Pain Management. Acute Care Handbook for Physical

Therapists E-Book, p. 481.