Assessment is the first step of the decision-making process, and assessment leads to nursing diagnoses. This course entertains the belief that nurses must have a current and thorough knowledge of health assessment and highly developed skills to function effectively. This belief is emphasized through the application of advanced knowledge and skills in assessing the individual client and family. The health assessment factors cover physical parameters, which are further expanded to include self-care behaviors, health promotion, culture and values, family and social roles, and developmental tasks. Knowledge of normal body function (physiological and psychological) is fundamental to carrying out a comprehensive assessment.

At the completion of this course, the participant should be able to:

• Obtain a complete health history for client/client system using a predesignated format
• Observe and describe specific behaviors indicating the client/client system’s general well being
• Obtain objective data on the health status of a client/client system using the techniques of inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation
• Demonstrate assessment skills with the use of specific physical examination equipment