Details In This Assignment You Will Be Completing A Health A
Detailsin This Assignment You Will Be Completing A Health Assessment
In this assignment, you will be completing a health assessment on an older adult. To complete this assignment, do the following: Perform a health history on an older adult. Students who do not work in an acute setting may "practice" these skills with a patient, community member, neighbor, friend, colleague, or loved one. (If an older individual is not available, you may choose a younger individual). Complete a physical examination of the client using the "Health History and Examination" assignment resource. Use the "Functional Health Pattern Assessment" resource as a guideline to assist you in completing the template.
Document findings of complete physical examination in Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation (SBAR) format. Refer to the sample SBAR Template located on the National Nurse Leadership Council website as a guide. Document the findings of the physical examination in the assessment worksheet. Using the "Health History and Examination" assignment resource, provide the physical examination findings summary with planned interventions for the client. Include any community services in the interventions.
APA format is not required, but solid academic writing is expected. This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion. You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin.
Paper For Above instruction
The purpose of this assignment is to develop a comprehensive understanding of health assessment skills tailored to older adults, emphasizing the importance of thorough history-taking, physical examination, and holistic evaluation through the functional health patterns. Conducting a meticulous health assessment enables nursing professionals to identify health concerns, develop individualized care plans, and coordinate appropriate community resources, ultimately promoting health and well-being among the aging population.
Introduction
As the aging population continues to grow, the role of nurses in conducting precise, holistic health assessments becomes increasingly critical. The aging process involves physiological, psychological, and social changes that require a comprehensive evaluation to inform effective care planning. This assignment underscores the importance of performing detailed health histories and physical examinations, utilizing evidence-based frameworks such as the functional health pattern assessment. By integrating these tools within the SBAR communication format, nurses can ensure clarity, consistency, and collaborative decision-making in patient care.
Performing a Health History on an Older Adult
The initial step involves collecting a thorough health history encompassing medical diagnoses, medication use, psychosocial factors, lifestyle habits, and family history. Critical elements include reviewing changes in functional abilities, cognitive status, nutritional intake, sleep patterns, and social supports. For instance, questions regarding recent falls, mobility changes, or memory lapses provide vital clues about underlying health issues. When practicing with community members or loved ones, it is essential to adopt a respectful, empathetic approach, ensuring information gathered is comprehensive and accurate.
Conducting a Physical Examination
The physical examination should follow a systematic approach aligned with current nursing standards. It includes evaluation of vital signs, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, neurological, skin, and sensory systems. During the examination, observe for age-related changes such as decreased skin elasticity, joint stiffness, or sensory deficits. Utilize the "Health History and Examination" resource as a guide to ensure all relevant areas are assessed thoroughly. Document findings meticulously in the assessment worksheet, emphasizing deviations from normal age-related norms and potential health concerns.
Using Functional Health Pattern Assessment
The Functional Health Pattern Assessment offers a structured framework for examining multiple domains of an aging individual's health. These include patterns of health perception, nutrition, elimination, activity/exercise, sleep, cognitive and perceptual patterns, self-perception, role-relationship, sexual activity, coping, and values-beliefs. Employing this model facilitates a holistic view of the client's health status, highlighting strengths and identifying areas requiring intervention.
Documentation and SBAR Format
The findings from the physical examination are to be articulated using the SBAR (Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation) format. This structured communication tool promotes clarity and efficiency when conveying patient information to interdisciplinary team members. For example, the "Assessment" section should synthesize physical findings, highlighting significant deviations and potential implications. The "Recommendation" should suggest appropriate interventions, referrals, or community resources.
Developing Care Plans and Community Resources
Based on the assessment data, develop a customized plan that addresses identified health issues and promotes functional independence. Interventions may include medication management, dietary modifications, fall prevention strategies, or referrals to physical therapy. Incorporating community services, such as senior centers, home health agencies, or social services, enhances support and resource accessibility. Emphasizing preventive care and chronic disease management aligns with the goal of optimizing health outcomes in older adults.
Conclusion
Effective health assessments in older adults require a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that integrates detailed histories, thorough examinations, functional health patterns, and collaborative communication. By utilizing structured frameworks and documenting findings systematically, nurses can identify health challenges early, tailor interventions appropriately, and leverage community resources to enhance quality of life for older adults. Maintaining a compassionate, respectful approach throughout the assessment fosters trust and encourages active participation from the client, which is essential for successful health promotion and disease prevention.
References
- Gordon, M. (2012). Functional health patterns: A concept for nursing. Nursing Clinics, 47(3), 469–476.
- Gulanick, M., & Myers, J. L. (2014). Nursing Care Plans: Diagnoses, Interventions, and Outcomes (8th ed.). Elsevier.
- Fletcher, J. (2017). The older adult: Health assessment and intervention. Nursing Made Incredibly Easy!, 15(4), 8–15.
- Vitaliano, P. P., & Crowe, M. (2010). Geriatric assessment in chronic illness. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, 26(2), 293–303.
- Thomas, C. S., & Sweeney, J. (2019). Comprehensive geriatric assessment: Principles and practice. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 45(11), 19–27.
- American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of Ethics for Nurses With Interpretive Statements. ANA.
- Hartman-Stein, P., & Hays, J. C. (2010). Assessing health in older adults: A comprehensive approach. Geriatric Nursing, 31(3), 173–180.
- Reuben, D. B. (2014). Geriatric assessment: From research to clinical practice. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, 30(2), 221–229.
- Ouslander, J. G., & Linton, N. (2010). Geriatric syndromes and their importance in nursing care. The Nursing Clinics of North America, 45(4), 519–533.
- National Nurse Leadership Council. (n.d.). SBAR communication template. Retrieved from [URL]