W#12 Health Assessment Replies

Assignment instructions:

Reply Posts

Respond to your peers’ post and include the following:

· Insight on a solution to an identified peer challenge.

· Resources that may be helpful related to your peers’ post.

POST # 1 Dayanne

(Dayanne’s initial Post)

Reflect on the focus area or system(s) for the week.

· What challenges might you anticipate in completing this assessment?

· What differences might you anticipate when assessing patients across the lifespan?

· Share findings from scholarly resources that help in the performance of this assessment.

The complex and anatomy and physiology of the nervous system make the examination and assessment challenging. As in any other system, obtaining a thorough history is essential in diagnosis. The nervous system affects all other body system; therefore, it is important to understand neural function and dysfunctions. Bickley (2017) reports assessment of the nervous system begins within the first encounter with the patient.  The Neurological assessment will differ throughout the different life span. The brain and nervous system tend to change with the aging process. The brain and spinal cord lose nerve cells and atrophy. Neuron’s communication slows down, and the build of plaques and tangles occurs which is seen in dementia or Alzheimer’s disease (Aging changes in the nervous system, n.d.).  In comparison of children, the nervous system is associated with the developmental stages. Any dysfunctions to the nervous system can cause delays in the child’s normal development and functions. In infants and younger children, a neurological exam includes the measurement of the head circumference (Neurological exam for children, n.d.). Furthermore, assessment of motor, sensory skills, balance, coordination, reflexes all determine the function of the brain, spinal cord and neuromuscular system.  Comprehensive Neurological Examination | Nurse Key This link may be providing some useful information References Aging changes in the nervous system. (n.d.). Retrieved from Medline Plus:  https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004023.htm Bickley, L. (2017). Bates' Guide to Physical Examination. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer. Neurological exam for children. (n.d.). Retrieved from Stanford Children's Health:  https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=neurological-examination-for-children-90-P02613