Week 2

Learning Objectives

1. Differentiate between the terms ‘growth’ and ‘development’ and the significance of both to health assessment.

2. Describe factors that influence both growth and development.

3. Recognize major developmental milestones for patients across the lifespan.

4. Differentiate between a health history and assessment.

5. Differentiate between subjective and objective data

in assessment.

Learning Objectives (continued)

6. Describe where and why assessment fits into the nursing process.

7. Identify the components and tools used to perform a physical assessment.

8. Describe prioritization of assessment.

9. Explain why vital signs are a priority for baseline and continued assessment.

The terms ‘growth’ and ‘development’ both refer to dynamic processes.

“Normal” growth and development across the

lifespan…

What is the difference between ‘growth’ and

‘development?’

Growth refers to physical change and increase in size,measured quantitatively:

Height, weight, bone size, dentition, etc.

Growth:

Physical change and an increase in size. It can be measured quantitatively.

Development:

An increase in the complexity of function and skill progression,

the capacity of skill and a person to adapt to the environment…

Growth or Development?• A child losing baby teeth as adult teeth

emerge….• A one year old who is beginning to

walk…• A five year old who can not feed

himself….• A twelve year old who can not spell his

name..• A teenager rapidly getting taller…• An 18 month old child beginning to say

a few words…

Development is the behavioral aspect of growth (e.g., a person develops the ability to walk, to talk, and

to run.)

Factors that influence both growth and development:• Genetics• Prenatal Influences• Environmental Influences• Cultural Influences• Nutrition• Family and Parenting• Health

The ElderlyThey want and deserve

respect, dignity, and independence.

*A nurse must be aware of the normal aging process,

age-related changes in aging bodies, as well as the mental health issues of the elderly …

Assessment The first step in the nursing

process

WHAT IS ASSESSMENT?

Things that you see, hear, smell, feel or taste !

Assessment

• Systematic method of collecting data– Determine current and ongoing health

status– Predicting risks– Identifying health-promoting activities

• Focus– Problems presented by clients–Multiple other factors

FocusProblems presented by client

•Physical •Social•Cultural•Environmental •Emotional factors

Assessment Techniques

ObservationInterviewingPhysical examination

Helpful Assessment Tools

Accurate recording and communication of

findings is a must !

Data Gathered During Health History

•Wellness behaviors•Illness signs and symptoms•Past illnesses•Family history•Client strengths •Weaknesses• Risk factors

*A variety of sources may be utilized to obtain information

Types of Data

Subjective- What the patient tells you.

Example: Patient states, “I’ve had a bad pain in my

right knee for three weeks.”

Objective- Detectable by an observer or can be measured or tested

against an acceptable standard.

Example: Oral temperature 98.9 degrees F.

What are some examples of things we can observe

(see)?

Be sure to think about the obvious and the not so

obvious…

The not so obvious may include facial expression, body language, hygiene…

How about whether the person is dead or alive ?

Does the person appear to be awake or asleep ?

Be sure to observe for symmetry, or lack of.

Quick Review:

What is assessment?

Where does assessment fit in the nursing

process?

What is the difference between objective and

subjective data?

End of Week 2