Critique your last physical assessment on the basis of
health promotion, health prevention, and comfort for you as the patient. Write
a 850–1,000-word paper that
addresses the following questions:
Did the provider evaluate lifestyle, nutrition, and
exercise?
Did the provider explain the side effects of your
medication?
Was there an agreement on the plan of care?
What was the environment like? Welcoming, comfortable,
dirty, clean?
Did the provider answer your questions and perform a
complete health history?
Was the physical assessment complete and correct? (Did the
provider listen to your lung sounds through clothing?)
Did the provider see you in your street clothes or in a
patient gown?
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in
the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is required. Must use advanced Nursing Journals less than 5 years old.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Physical assessments are key components of patient care, and a physical assessment that is conducted with health promotion, health prevention, and patient comfort in mind is essential. In this paper, we will critique the last physical assessment from the perspective of a patient, examining several critical factors, including lifestyle assessment, medication side effects, the environment in which the assessment was conducted, health history, and the completeness and correctness of the physical assessment.
Did the provider evaluate lifestyle, nutrition, and exercise?
A good physical assessment should always consider key lifestyle factors like nutrition and exercise. A patient’s lifestyle choices will impact their overall health, and therefore, these should be evaluated in a physical assessment. Evaluating dietary habits is essential, and the provider should inquire about the patient’s typical diet, any nutritional deficiencies, and food consumption patterns. Furthermore, the provider should also examine exercise habits and patterns—such as the type of physical activity, frequency, duration, and intensity—when performing a physical assessment. The provider should make recommendations to improve the patient’s exercise and dietary habits, as such changes will undoubtedly improve their health outcomes.
Did the provider explain the side effects of your medication?
Medication management is one of the critical components of patient care. Medications are not perfect, and they can cause side effects that impact the patient’s health. A good physical assessment should include a review of the patient’s medications and an explanation of the possible side effects of each medication. The provider should ensure that the patient understands the purpose of each medication, how to take it appropriately, and what to do if they experience any side effects. The provider should also be willing to answer any questions the patient might have concerning their medication.
Was there an agreement on the plan of care?
One of the aims of a physical assessment is to develop an appropriate plan of care to meet the patient’s specific needs. The provider should discuss their findings with the patient and agree on a plan of care that aligns with the patient’s goals and needs. The provider should explain the various interventions, including medications, procedures, and lifestyle modifications, and the expected outcomes of these interventions. The patient should actively participate in the process of developing a plan of care, and the provider should encourage them to ask questions and provide feedback regarding their preferences.
What was the environment like? Welcoming, comfortable, dirty, clean?
The environment within which a physical assessment is conducted has a significant impact on the patient’s overall experience. The environment should be welcoming, comfortable, and clean, as such factors can influence patient satisfaction. The environment should have adequate lighting and be appropriately ventilated. The examination table should be in good condition, and the provider should have all necessary equipment and supplies readily available.
Did the provider answer your questions and perform a complete health history?
A good physical assessment should involve carrying out a comprehensive health assessment. The provider should collect the patient’s full health history, including their past medical history, family history, surgical history, social history, and medication history. The provider should also ask relevant questions about the patient’s symptomatology and perform a reasonable systemic exam. Furthermore, the provider should be willing and able to answer any questions the patient might have and explain what they are doing during the physical examination and why it is essential.
Was the physical assessment complete and correct?
The physical assessment should be thorough, complete, and accurate. The provider should perform a systematic exam of the patient, including inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation, to ensure that there are no abnormalities. The provider should listen to the lung and heart sounds, which usually requires that the patient is appropriately undressed and covered with a gown. The provider’s physical assessment should involve the patient’s entire body and carry out a head-to-toe examination presenting a standard of care.
Conclusion:
A physical assessment that pays attention to health promotion, health prevention, and patient comfort is fluid and holistic. It is essential to conduct a thorough health history, properly inform the patient about their medication’s side effects, create a comfortable environment, and evaluate a patient’s lifestyle choices to promote overall well-being. It is necessary to ensure that the physical assessment is comprehensive, systemic, and includes all aspects of the patient’s body to obtain the necessary information to develop a personalized plan of care.
