Assignment 2: Dropbox Assignment
Head-to-Toe Assessment
For this assignment, perform a
complete head-to-toe assessment on one of your chosen participants. Your
analysis should include the following:
- Topical headings to delineate systems.
- For any system for which you do not have equipment,
explain how you would do the assessment. - Detailed review of each system with normal and abnormal
findings, along with normal laboratory findings for client age. - An analysis of age-specific risk reduction, health screen,
and immunizations. - Your expectation of normal findings and what might
indicate abnormal findings in your review of systems. - The differential diagnosis (disease) associated with
possible abnormal findings. - A plan of care (including nursing diagnosis,
interventions, evaluation). - Client and age-appropriate evidenced based practice
strategies for health promotion. - Pharmacological treatments that can be used to address
health issues for this client.
Provide your answers in a 6- to
7-page Microsoft Word document.
Support your responses with
examples.
Cite any sources in APA format.
Submission Details
Name your document
SU_NSG3012_W4_A2_LastName_FirstInitial.doc.
Submit your document to the W4
Assignment 2 Dropbox by Tuesday, May 3, 2016.
Assignment 2 Grading Criteria | Maximum |
Performed a complete head-to-toe | 20 |
Analyzed and described how | 20 |
Provided a detailed review of each | 16 |
Analyzed and explained | 16 |
Provided expectations as normal | 16 |
Analyzed and described the | 16 |
Designed a plan of care including | 16 |
Discussed pharmacological | 20 |
Included evidenced based practice | 20 |
Used correct spelling, grammar, | 20 |
Total: | 180 |
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The Head-to-Toe Assessment is a crucial skill for healthcare professionals. This assignment requires performing a complete head-to-toe assessment on one participant and analyzing the findings based on age-specific risk reduction, health screen, and immunizations. The analysis should include normal and abnormal findings, followed by nursing diagnosis, interventions, and evaluation of the plan of care.
Answer:
Performing a complete Head-to-Toe Assessment is necessary to evaluate the patient’s overall health status. Topical headings are used to delineate systems that help to organize the data collected during assessment. In case of unavailability of the equipment for specific systems, the assessment can still be carried out using alternative methods. For instance, the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) examination can be performed using visual inspection, palpation, and auscultation.
A detailed review of each system with normal and abnormal findings, coupled with normal laboratory findings for client age, can provide a comprehensive analysis of the patient’s health status. The vital signs of the patient, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, should be measured and recorded to evaluate the basic life functions. Auscultation of the heart, lungs, and abdomen and palpation of the lymph nodes can detect any abnormalities. The normal and abnormal findings of the system can help in identifying the disease or ailment associated with it.
Age-specific risk reduction, health screen, and immunizations are significant aspects of a Head-to-Toe Assessment. The evaluation of these aspects depends on the patient’s age, medical history, and lifestyle. The analysis of these aspects can help in identifying any potential risks and preventable diseases. Based on the assessment, the patient’s immunization status can be determined and appropriate measures can be taken.
Expectations of normal findings and abnormalities in the review of systems can help in identifying any possible red flags. For example, the development of lymphadenopathy during palpation of lymph nodes may indicate a possible malignancy. Similarly, any abnormalities in the respiratory system could indicate a possible lung infection.
A differential diagnosis is necessary to determine the possible disease or ailment associated with the abnormal findings. A plan of care including nursing diagnosis, interventions, and evaluation can help in providing appropriate care and treatment. The pharmacological treatments that can be used to address the health issues for this client depend on the patient’s medical history and current condition.
Lastly, client and age-appropriate evidenced-based practice strategies for health promotion can be implemented. Identifying the potential health risks and providing evidence-based interventions can promote healthier lives for the patients.
In conclusion, a Head-to-Toe Assessment is a crucial skill for healthcare professionals. Its comprehensive analysis and implementation of appropriate plan of care can improve a patient’s health status.
