Health & Physical Assessment

Health and Physical Assessment presents holistic health assessment in a unique narrative format that is practical and consistent. Health assessment is presented as the systematic collection of data that nurses can use to make decisions about how they will intervene to promote, maintain, or restore health. Core assessment content is organized by body system (Chapters 11-22); these chapters include three main sections on Anatomy and Physiology, Examination, and Variations from Health. Special boxes highlight important information such as Risk Factors, Cultural Considerations, and Helpful Hints. At the end of each chapter are Sample Documentation and Diagnoses and Critical Thinking Questions that apply the chapter content to clinical scenarios.

Chapters 1-9 cover topics such as interviewing skills and techniques, health history, assessment of health beliefs and behaviours, developmental assessment across the life span, nutritional assessment, cultural considerations, and general assessment techniques. Chapter 23 covers head-to-toe integrated physical assessment, and Chapter 24 discusses clinical reasoning in determining health status. Chapters 25-28 cover assessment of special populations such as pregnant women, paediatric and geriatric clients, and clients with functional limitations.

- A consistent format is employed in body system chapters, with three main headings for Anatomy and Physiology, Examination, and Variations from Health
- Hundreds of full-color multicultural illustrations depict examination procedures, equipment, and normal and abnormal findings
- A separate culture chapter and Cultural Considerations boxes integrated throughout the text present differences among cultural and ethnic groups to prepare nurses to work with an increasingly diverse patient population.
- Preparation for Examination and Examination Step-by-Step boxes in each body system chapter summarize key information in a concise format.
- Helpful Hints boxes integrated throughout the narrative provide practical tips for performing a thorough and accurate assessment.
- Risk Factors boxes highlight risk factors relevant to various body systems and specific disorders.
- Chapter 28: Clients with Functional Limitations discusses special assessment variables and tools for clients who are disabled, handicapped, or otherwise impaired.
- A Glossary at the end of the book provides definitions to enhance student comprehension and review of key concepts and terminology