General survey ANILKUMAR BR , LECTURER MSN

Introduction

Assessment begins when the nurse First meets the client.

The nurse determines the reason the client is seeking health care.

The examination begins with a general survey that includes observation of general appearance and behavior, vital signs, and height and weight measurements.

A general survey provides information about characteristics of an illness, a client’s hygiene and body image, emotional state, recent changes in weight, and development status.

General appearance and behavior

Assessment of appearance and behavior begins while nurse prepare the client for examination.

The review of general appearance and behavior includes the following…

Gender and race

A person’s gegender affects the type of examination performed and the manner in which assessments are made. Different physical features are related to gender and race.

Certain illness are more likely to affect a specific gender or race :example

Age : age influence normal physical characteristics.

Signs of distress : There may be obvious signs or symptoms indicating pain, difficulty breathing, or anxiety.

Body type

The nurse observe if a client appears trim and muscular, obese or excessively thin. Body type can reflect the level of health, age and life style.

Body movements

Observe whether movements are purposeful and note if there are any tremors involving the extremities. Determine if any body parts are immobile.

Hygiene and grooming

The client’s level of cleanliness is noted by observing the appearance of the hair, skin, and fingernails

Dress : culture, lifestyle, socioeconomic level, and personal preprance affect the type of clothes worn. Note if the type of clothing worn is appropriate for the temperature and weather conditions.

Body odour

An unpleasant body odour may result from physical exercise, poor hygiene or certain disease states. Poor oral hygiene may cause bad breath.

Affect and mood

Affect is a person’s feelings as they appear to others. A person’s mood or emotional state is expressed verbally or nonverbally. Note if Verbal expressionexpressions match nonverbal behavior and observe if the client’s mood is appropriate for the situation.

Speech

Normal speech is understandable and moderately placed and shows an association with the person’s thoughts. Note if the client talks rapidly or slowly.

Client abuse

Abuse of children, women, and older adults is growing and serious health problem.

Substance abuse

Health care provider’s recognition of clients who abuse, alcohol, prescribed medications, or illegal drugs is typically poor.