Physical Assessment
Discuss your critical thinking process when doing a physical assessment.
During physical assessment the first obligation is to collect data through observation, health history, and interview, analysis of symptoms, diagnostic data, physical examination, and laboratory data (Sutter, 2015). The approach used requires the use of skillful assessment. My critical thinking process during a physical assessment entails the following;
Observation: Through observation I attentively take note of the behavior and general appearance of the patient. During observation I check the mood, emotional responses, interactions, physical responses and any safety issues. Through observation I get useful pointers to the status of the patient, both mental and physical. I am also keen to observe non-verbal communication that indicate feelings, anxiety, pain, or/and anger. Through application of observational skills I am able to detect warning signs in good time (Rubenfeld & Scheffer, 2015).
Interview: I interview the patient with an intention of interacting with them. The purpose of this interaction is to gather information concerning the health history of the client and the current situation. This will help me make a determination concerning the health needs of the patient. I use effective communication skills to...
I will observe nonverbal behavior in the course of the interview.
Inspection: During inspection I look for the condition that can be observed through the nose, ears, eyes, or other physical body parts. I can inspect the skin color, the bruises, body parts and their size, abnormalities, odors, and sounds. Through inspection I may be able to find important pointers to the health condition.
I also use auscultation, palpation, and percussion physical assessment techniques (Rubenfeld & Scheffer, 2015).
How do you use clinical judgment to prioritize your care?
Clinical judgment entails having some clear opinion or idea after a period of reflection (Phaneuf, 2008). The word ‘clinical’ is used in reference to the patient. As a nurse the process of making clinical judgment is always difficult. It requires professional and intellectual maturity. I must demonstrate the ability to pay particular attention, ability to reason, and to make a summary of the situation so as to come to a logical conclusion on the right priorities. I am required to have some prior training so as to comprehensively understand the various situations and organize them in order of priority in order to facilitate quick recovery for the patient. My clinical judgment process entails observation,…
