Fundamentals of Patient Assessment

📋 Course Outline

1. Patient Assessment
2. Nursing Process
3. Health History
4. Physical Examination Techniques
5. Vital Signs
6. Measuring Temperature
7. Measuring Pulse
8. Measuring Respirations
9. Measuring Blood Pressure
10. Oxygen Saturation
11. Systemic Assessment
12. Cultural Considerations

📖 1. Patient Assessment

🔑 Key Concepts & Definitions

• Assessment: A systematic process of collecting comprehensive data about a patient's physical, psychological, and social health to identify needs and problems.
• Subjective Data: Information provided directly by the patient, such as symptoms, feelings, and perceptions; also called "symptoms."
• Objective Data: Observable and measurable information obtained through physical examination, vital signs, and diagnostic tests; also called "signs."
• Physical Assessment: The hands-on examination of the patient using techniques like inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation to gather data.
• Nursing Process: A structured framework involving assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation to deliver patient-centered care.
• Vital Signs: Measurements of essential body functions—temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation—that indicate health status.

📝 Essential Points