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NURS 340: Health Assessment Throughout The Lifespan

Prerequisites: Upper Division standing

Credit Hours: (3) Two hours lecture; two hours laboratory

Course Description:

Focuses on the use of health assessment skills required to perform a systematic health assessment.

Detailed Description of Content of the Course

The objectives and content of this Level 1 Course are derived from the School of Nursing’s philosophy, conceptual framework and the Board of Nursing Baccalaureate Essentials, and facilitate achievement of the School’s program objectives. Ethical, vocational, and legal aspects of nursing are incorporated into course content, including patient rights and professional responsibility, assessment and interventions to prevent abuse, neglect, and abandonment, history and trends in nursing and health care, and regulations and sections of the Code of Virginia related to nursing.  Additionally, the major topics and skills covered in this course are common to major leadership and professional development nursing textbooks, and represent areas covered on standardized achievement examinations and the NCLEX-RN Test Plan. Current research and advancement in theory and clinical practice also determine content.

Topical Outline:
• National Health Priorities
• Holistic Health Assessment
• Growth Measurement and Recording Information
• Nutritional Assessment
• Examination Techniques and Equipment
• Assessment and Recording of Vital Signs
• Skin, Hair and Nails
• Eyes, Ears
• Nose, Throat and Pharynx
• Lymphatic System and Peripheral Vasculature
• Lungs and Thorax
• Heart and Neck Vessels
• Abdomen/ Pregnant Female/Domestic Violence Assessment
• Breast and Axillae
• Musculoskeletal Assessment
• Neurological Assessment and Mental Status
• Female and Male Genitalia
• Anus and Rectum
• Functional Assessment
• Putting it all together-Integrated Physical Exam

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The following teaching strategies will be employed:
•    Lectures, discussion, multimedia, case studies, and lab experiences.

Goals and Objectives of the Course

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate skill in interviewing and communication techniques recognizing the client as a partner to obtain a holistic health history.
2. °ÄÃÅÀÏÆæÈËÂÛ̳ knowledge and skill to perform an individualized safe and accurate physical assessment.
3. Translate and interpret data collected from the client history and physical assessment in a concise, accurate, and logical sequence.
4. Utilize and demonstrate critical thinking with the ability to integrate the complete history and physical assessment.
5. Utilize and demonstrate critical thinking by interpreting assessment data and selecting appropriate nursing diagnoses.
6. Discuss pertinent findings in select body systems occurring across the life-span incorporating the influence of cultural diversity.

Assessment Measures

May include:

• Exams; Quizzes
• Paper
• Project, Individual or Group
• Care Plan
• Oral Presentations
• Class Participation
• Laboratory Activities

Review and Approval

April 2006 Undergraduate Curriculum Marcella Griggs, Director

February 2011, Kim Carter, Director

February 2021, Iris Mullins, Chair