Nursing Process::ASSESSMENT

ASSESSMENT

The nurse collects data about the health statis of the client. The data is subjective and objective.

Subjective data is usually documented in the clients own words. This data includes such things as previous experiences,and sensations or emotions that only the client can describe.

The Objective data is obtained by the health team, through observation, physical examination, or/and diagnosistic testing. Objective data can be seen or measured.
Sources of subjective data and objective data are the client, the family and significant others, medical records, and other health care team members.

Assessment includes, the "HEALTH HISTORY" and "physical assessment".

Physical assessment can be broken down into four components(2);

* Inspection,
* Palpation,
* Percussion,
* Auscultation.

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Measurement Criteria(2)

1. The priority of data collection is determined by the client's immediate condition or need.
2. Pertinent data is collected using appropriate assessment techniques.
3. Data collection involves the client, significant others, and health care providers when appropriate.
4. The data collection is ongoing.
5. Relevant data is recorded according to standards.

source from www.http://home.cogeco.ca/~nursingprocess/