Vital notes for nurses : health assessment

Contents; Preface; Acknowledgements; Dedication; List of contributors; 1 The human body; Section 1: Introduction; Anatomical terms; Levels of organisation of the body; Hierarchy of functions; The basic structure of cells; Homeostasis; Organ systems; Section 2: The integumentary system; Structure of the skin; Thermoregulation and the skin; Section 3: The musculoskeletal system; The human skeleton; Bone; Joints; Muscular tissue; Section 4: The nervous system; Structure and function of the nervous system; The central nervous system; The autonomic nervous system; Sensations; Somatic senses; Pain; Section 5: The special sensesThe eye; The ear; Section 6: The endocrine system; Hormones; Negative and positive feedback mechanisms; Section 7: The respiratory system; The mechanism of breathing; The transport of oxygen; The transport of carbon dioxide; Section 8: The cardiovascular system; The blood; The heart; Blood vessels: arteries, capillaries and veins; Section 9: The lymphatic and immune system; Components; Functions; Section 10: The digestive system; Functions; Organs of the digestive system and their location; Section 11: The urinary system; The kidney and its functions; Section 12: The reproductive system Female reproductive system; The male reproductive organs; 2 Nursing assessment and care planning; Introduction; Nursing assessment and the nursing process; Advantages of using a conceptual model in assessment; Key issues and developments; 3 Concepts of health, illness and holism; Introduction; Being 'healthy'; Health beliefs and health behaviour; Illness, sickness and disease; Seeing the person as a whole; Assessment; 4 Factors to consider when assessing patients; Section 1: Introducton; Ethical aspects of assessment; Respect for persons - definition; Privacy Confidentiality; Respect for dignity; Truthfulness; Section 2: The environment, health status, age and cognitive ability of the patient, learning disability and health assessment; Environment; Health status of the patient; The patient's age; Cognitive development and ability; The assessment of children; Section 3: Gender and health assessment; Trends and patterns of health and disease among men and women; Health issues and dilemmas for men and women; A health assessment approach: some practical aspects to consider; 5 Communication skills for holistic health assessment; Introduction; Definition and classificationFactors that facilitate effective communication; Skills needed during holistic health assessment; Barriers to communication during holistic assessment; Record keeping; 6 Physical assessment; Section 1: Introduction; The purpose of physical assessment; Approach to physical assessment; Preparation for physical assessment; Techniques of physical assessment; The general survey and vital signs; Section 2: Physical asssessment of the integumentary system; The skin; Assessment of nails; Assessment of hair; Section 3: Physical assessment of the respiratory system; Taking a health history.

Health assessment is central to effective planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care. All nurses are accountable for the care they provide and need to be able to accurately determine patient needs in order to plan and deliver evidence-based care. Vital notes for nurses: Health assessment provides students with the knowledge required to consider the many different factors which can influence patient's health, comfort, well-being and recovery and to confidently assess patient needs. Vital notes for nurses: Health assessment explores concepts of holism, health and illness, factors to consider when assessing patients, communication skills needed for assessment, and all aspects of holistic assessment including physical, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual factors and nutritional needs. Provides a concise, accessible introduction to health assessment; Includes physical, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual health assessment; Explores essential concepts in assessment and care planning; Within the Vital Notes for Nurses series; Adopts a holistic approach.