MODULE: FUNDAMENTAL OF NURSING
LECTURER: SISTER EVELYN
GROUP NINE (9)
PRESENTATION TOPICS
1.Physical and Psychological ASSESSMENT
2.Patient’s Comfort measures
NAMES OF GROUP MEMBERS ID
1. FOFANAH SALAMATU 23027
2. MANSARAY ASHMIA 23071
3. KALOKOH MARIAMA 23033
4. KOROMA KADIATU M 23056
5. BAH ZAINAB 23003
6. MARAH BANGALIE 23078
7. KUYATEH MOHAMED 23067
8. KAMARA ABDUL ANAQUE 23035
9. KOROMA GIBRILLA FODAY 23059
10.BARRIE SULAIMAN 23010
11.SUMA IBRAHIM SORIE 23100
Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Definition
• component of physical assessment
• Methods of physical and psychological
assessment
• principles of physical and psychological
assessment
• Goals of physical and psychological assessment
• Importance of physical assessment
• Equipment used for physical assessment
• Types of psychological assessment
• Ways of establishing patients comfort measures
• Factors affecting patient comfort
• Equipment’s use for patient comfort measures
• Roles of a nurse in a comfort zone
Introduction
Before a new patient is treated, it is important that the healthcare
professional become familiar with patient medical history. Thus, physical,
and psychological assessment are important tools for health care worker to
evaluate the overall health and wellbeing of their patients. These
assessments can help to identify potential health issues, diagnose medical
conditions, and develop a treatment plan.
On the other hand, patient comfort measures are essential part of
providing quality healthcare to patient. They are design to reduce pain,
anxiety, and stress to help patient feel more comfortable and relaxed.
PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT
Physical assessment involves a thorough examination of a patient body,
from head to toe in a systematic and thorough manner to identify health
issues the patient may be experiencing. This include their vital signs such
as blood pressure ,heart rate and temperature ,the appearance of their skin
,eyes,nose,throat and other parts of the body.
COMPONENT OF PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT
A physical examination is an assessment of a patient overall physical health
and wellness. It typically involves a series of evaluations and tests that are
performed by a healthcare provider to determine any potential health
problems. Components of a physical examination may be vary depending
on the patients age, sex, and medical history, but generally include the
following
Vital signs: this includes measuring the patient temperature, pulse rate,
blood pressure and respiratory rate
Head and neck examination: this involves examining the head and neck for
any abnormalities, such as swollen, gland lumps or tenderness
Cardiovascular examination: this involves listening to the heart using a
statoscope to evaluate the heart rhythm and rate
Respiratory examination: this involves listening to the lungs using a
stethoscope to evaluate the patient breathing
Abdominal examination: this involves palpating the abdomen to evaluate
the liver, spleen, kidneys, and other organs for any abnormalities
Musculoskeletal: this involves evaluating the range of motion, strength and
flexibility of muscles and joints.
Neurological examination: this involves evaluating the patient reflexed
coordination and sensory function.
Skin examination: this involves examining the skin for any rashes, bruises,
or sign of infection
Genitourinary examination: this involves examining the genital and
urinary system for any abnormalities such as discharge, pain or swelling
METHODS OF PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT
Below are methods of physical assessment:
1. Inspection technique
2. Palpation technique
3. Percussion technique
4. Auscultation technique
Inspection Techniques
The physician will look at or inspect specific areas of the body for normal
color ,shape and consistency .Certain findings on inspection may alert your
healthcare provider to focus on other part of the physical examine certain
areas of the body.
Palpation
This is when the physician use their hands to feel for abnormalities during
a physical health assessment. Things that are commonly palpated during
examinations includes: lymph nodes, chest wall,(to see if the heart of the
patient is beating harder than normal ,and your abdomen.
Percussion
This is when the physician use their hands to tap on an area of your body.
The tapping produce different sounds .Depending on the kind of sounds
that are produced over our abdomen, on your back or the chest wall, your
healthcare provider may determine anything from fluid in your lungs or a
mass in your stomach .This will provide further clues to the possible
diagnosis .
Auscultation
This is important physical examination techniques use by your healthcare
provider, where he or she will listen to your heart, lungs, neck or the
abdomen, to identify any problems that are present. Auscultation is often
performed using a stethoscope. The stethoscope will amplify sounds heard
in the area that is being listened to.
PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT
Physical assessment is a crucial aspect of healthcare that involves the
systematic examination of a patient's body to identify any physical signs or
symptoms of illness, injury, or disease. Here are some principles of
physical assessment:
1. Prepare the patient: Before conducting a physical assessment, it's
important to prepare the patient by explaining the purpose of the
examination, obtaining informed consent, and ensuring their comfort
and privacy.
2. Use a systematic approach: A systematic approach helps to ensure
that all body systems are examined thoroughly, and no important
signs or symptoms are missed. A common approach is the "head-to-
toe" assessment, which involves examining the patient from head to
toe, or the "body systems" approach, which involves examining each
body system individually.
3. Use appropriate equipment: Physical assessment requires the use of
various equipment such as a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff,
thermometer, and otoscope. Ensure that the equipment is in good
working condition and appropriate for the patient's age and
condition.
4. Use appropriate techniques: The techniques used for physical
assessment should be appropriate for the patient's age, condition,
and cultural background. For example, a gentle approach may be
necessary for elderly or pediatric patients, and it may be necessary to
use alternative techniques for patients who have cultural or religious
concerns.
5. Document findings: Accurate documentation of physical assessment
findings is important for effective communication among healthcare
providers, continuity of care, and legal and regulatory purposes.
6. Be aware of personal biases: It's important to be aware of personal
biases that may affect the interpretation of physical assessment
findings. For example, preconceived ideas about a patient's age,
gender, or cultural background may affect the accuracy of the
assessment.
7. Ensure patient safety: Patient safety should be a top priority during
physical assessment. Ensure that the patient is properly positioned,
the environment is safe, and all equipment is used correctly to avoid
any harm to the patient.
8. Be respectful and professional: Physical assessment requires close
physical contact with the patient, so it's important to be respectful
and professional at all times. Use appropriate language and maintain
a professional demeanor to ensure patient comfort and trust.
GOALS OF PHYSICAL ASSE SSMENT
The goals of physical assessment are to gather objective and subjective data
about a patient's overall health and to identify any physical signs or
symptoms that may indicate an illness, injury, or disease. Some specific
goals of physical assessment include:
1. To establish a baseline: Physical assessment can establish a baseline
of a patient's overall health status, which can be used for future
comparison if any changes or abnormalities occur.
2. To detect and monitor changes: Physical assessment can detect
changes in a patient's health status and monitor the progression of an
illness or disease.
3. To identify risk factors: Physical assessment can identify risk factors
for certain diseases or conditions, such as high blood pressure or high
cholesterol levels.
4. To evaluate treatment effectiveness: Physical assessment can be used
to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment plan and determine if any
adjustments are needed.
5. To assess overall functional status: Physical assessment can assess a
patient's overall functional status, such as mobility, range of motion,
and balance.
6. To identify potential problems: Physical assessment can identify
potential problems that may require further diagnostic testing or
treatment.
7. To establish a therapeutic relationship: Physical assessment can
establish a therapeutic relationship between the healthcare provider
and the patient, which can promote trust, communication, and
collaboration in managing the patient's health.
Overall, the goals of physical assessment are to provide a comprehensive
and holistic approach to healthcare, identify and manage health problems,
and promote overall wellness and health.
IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT
Physical assessment is an essential component of healthcare that plays a
critical role in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of illnesses,
injuries, and diseases. Here are some of the key reasons why physical
assessment is important:
1. Early identification of health problems: Physical assessment can
identify early signs of health problems, allowing for prompt
diagnosis and treatment, which can prevent the progression of the
disease and improve patient outcomes.
2. Accurate diagnosis: Physical assessment provides vital information
about a patient's physical condition, which can help healthcare
providers make an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective
treatment plan.
3. Monitoring of treatment progress: Physical assessment can monitor a
patient's response to treatment, allowing healthcare providers to
make adjustments as needed and ensure that the treatment is
effective.
4. Screening for health risks: Physical assessment can screen for health
risks such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes,
which can help prevent the development of more serious health
problems.
5. Establishing a therapeutic relationship: Physical assessment provides
an opportunity for healthcare providers to establish a therapeutic
relationship with the patient, which is essential for effective
communication, trust, and collaboration in managing the patient's
health.
6. Supporting patient education: Physical assessment provides an
opportunity for healthcare providers to educate patients about their
health status and provide guidance on lifestyle modifications and
disease management strategies.
7. Legal and regulatory requirements: Physical assessment is often
required by law or regulation, such as in pre-employment or sports
physicals, or in certain healthcare settings.
Overall, physical assessment is a fundamental aspect of healthcare that can
help prevent, diagnose, and manage a wide range of health problems, and
promote overall wellness and health.
EQUIPMENT USE FOR PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT
Physical assessment requires the use of various equipment to assess the
patient's overall health, vital signs, and various body systems. Here are
some of the most used equipment for physical assessment:
1. Stethoscope: A stethoscope is used to listen to the patient's heart,
lungs, and bowel sounds.
2. Blood pressure cuff: A blood pressure cuff is used to measure the
patient's blood pressure.
3. Thermometer: A thermometer is used to measure the patient's
temperature.
4. Otoscope: An otoscope is used to examine the patient's ears.
5. Reflex hammer: A reflex hammer is used to test the patient's reflexes.
6. Tuning fork: A tuning fork is used to test the patient's hearing and
vibration sensation.
7. Tape measure: A tape measure is used to measure the patient's
height, weight, and body circumference.
8. Percussion hammer: A percussion hammer is used to test the
patient's joint reflexes.
9. Tongue depressor: A tongue depressor is used to examine the
patient's mouth and throat.
10. Penlight: A penlight is used to examine the patient's eyes, mouth, and
throat.
11. Goniometer: A goniometer is used to measure the range of motion of
joints.
12. Scale: A scale is used to measure the patient's weight.
These are some of the most used equipment for physical assessment. The
appropriate equipment used may depend on the patient's age, condition,
and specific needs. It's important to ensure that the equipment is in good
working condition and appropriate for the patient.
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Psychological assessment refers to the process of evaluating and measuring
various psychological and behavioral characteristics of an individual. The
purpose of psychological assessment is to gain a deeper understanding of a
person's thoughts, feelings, behavior, and personality, as well as to
diagnose mental health conditions and identify areas for improvement.
TYPES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
There are various types of psychological assessments, including:
1. Clinical interviews: A clinician conducts an interview with the
individual to gather information about their symptoms, medical
history, and overall functioning.
2. Behavioral observations: The clinician observes the individual's
behavior in various settings and situations to identify patterns and
potential triggers.
3. Psychological tests: These are standardized tests that measure
specific psychological constructs, such as personality traits, cognitive
abilities, and emotional functioning.
4. Projective tests: These are tests that require the individual to respond
to ambiguous stimuli, such as inkblots or abstract images, to reveal
unconscious thoughts and emotions.
5. Neuropsychological tests: These tests are used to assess cognitive
functioning and identify any potential neurological deficits.
Psychological assessment can be used in a variety of settings, including
schools, hospitals, and private practices. The results of a psychological
assessment can be used to inform treatment plans, provide
recommendations for intervention and support, and help individuals better
understand themselves and their mental health.
GOALS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
The goals of psychological assessment are to:
1. Identify psychological disorders: Psychological assessment can help
identify the presence of psychological disorders, such as anxiety,
depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
2. Determine the severity of symptoms: Psychological assessment can
help determine the severity of symptoms associated with
psychological disorders, such as the intensity of anxiety or the level
of depression.
3. Assess cognitive and intellectual abilities: Psychological assessment
can evaluate cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, and
problem-solving, and intellectual abilities, such as IQ and academic
achievement
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment: Psychological assessment can
be used to evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions,
such as therapy or medication, and to make adjustments to treatment
plans as needed.
5. Provide insight into individual strengths and weaknesses:
Psychological assessment can provide insight into an individual's
strengths and weaknesses, which can help inform personal and
career development plans.
6. Inform decision-making: Psychological assessment can be used to
inform decision-making in a variety of settings, such as schools,
workplaces, and legal proceedings.
Overall, the goals of psychological assessment are to better understand an
individual's psychological functioning and to provide insight and guidance
for addressing psychological issues and improving overall well-being.
PRINCIPLE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
The principles of psychological assessment include:
1. Standardization: Psychological assessments should be standardized,
meaning that the methods and procedures used are consistent across
all individuals and settings. This ensures that the results are reliable
and valid.
2. Validity: Psychological assessments should be valid, meaning that
they measure what they are intended to measure. The validity of an
assessment can be determined by comparing the results to other
measures of the same construct or by examining the content of the
assessment.
3. Reliability: Psychological assessments should be reliable, meaning
that the results are consistent across time and across different
evaluators.
4. Objectivity: Psychological assessments should be objective, meaning
that they are not influenced by the evaluator's personal biases or
opinions. This is important to ensure that the results are accurate and
unbiased.
5. Confidentiality: Psychological assessments should be kept
confidential, meaning that the results are only shared with
authorized individuals and are not disclosed without the individual's
consent.
6. Ethics: Psychological assessments should be conducted in an ethical
manner, meaning that the rights and dignity of the individual are
respected and protected throughout the assessment process.
Overall, these principles ensure that psychological assessments are
conducted in a systematic, accurate, and ethical manner, and that the
results are reliable, valid, and meaningful for the individual being assessed.
METHODS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
There are several methods of psychological assessment, including:
1. Interviews: Clinical interviews are commonly used to gather
information about an individual's symptoms, history, and current
functioning. Structured interviews use pre-determined questions and
rating scales, while unstructured interviews allow for more flexibility
in questioning.
2. Self-Report Measures: Self-report measures, such as questionnaires
and rating scales, are completed by the individual being assessed and
ask about their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. These measures can
provide valuable information about an individual's symptoms,
personality traits, and functioning.
3. Observations: Observations involve watching an individual's
behavior in different situations, such as in a therapy session, in
school, or at home. Observations can provide information about an
individual's social skills, communication, and behavior.
4. Psychological Testing: Psychological tests are standardized measures
used to assess an individual's cognitive abilities, personality, and
psychological functioning. These tests include intelligence tests,
achievement tests, personality tests, and neuropsychological tests.
5. Behavioral Assessment: Behavioral assessment involves measuring
an individual's behavior in specific situations to better understand
their functioning. This may involve collecting data on an individual's
behavior in school, at home, or in social situations.
6. Neuroimaging: Neuroimaging techniques, such as magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) and functional magnetic resonance imaging
(fMRI), are used to measure brain activity and can provide insight
into the neurological basis of psychological disorders.
Overall, these methods of psychological assessment are used to gather
information about an individual's psychological functioning, and can help
inform diagnosis, treatment planning, and intervention. The choice of
method used depends on the specific needs and goals of the assessment.
PATIENT COMFORT MEASURES
Patients comfort measures are an essential part of providing quality
healthcare to patient. They are designed to reduce pain, anxiety, and
stress, and help patient feel more comfortable and relaxed. However,
patient comfort measures can be defined as the pleasant and satisfying
feeling of being physically or mentally free from pain and suffering.
WAYS OF ESTABLIHING PATIENTS COMFORT MEASURES
1. Pain Management -Providing medications, physical therapy, other
treatment to manage a patient pain.
2. Warm Blanket- proving warm blanket to patients to help them feel
more comfortable and relaxed.
3. Music Therapy-using music to help patient relaxed and reduce
anxiety
4. Massage Therapy-Using massage to help patient relaxed and
reduced muscle tension.
5. Dimming light -Adjusting the light in patient room to reduce glare
and create a more so thing environment.
6. Comfortable Bedding-providing comfortable bedding and pillows to
help patient rest more comfortable.
7. Communication-communicating clearly and compassionately with
patient to help them feel understood and cared for.
8. Distraction Techniques- Providing distractions such as books,
puzzles, or games to help patients take their mind off their pain or
discomfort.
FACTORS AFFECTING PATIENT COMFORT
There are several factors that can affect a patient's comfort measures. Some
of the most common factors include:
1. Physical environment: The physical environment of the hospital or
healthcare facility can greatly impact a patient's comfort. Factors such
as temperature, noise level, lighting, and cleanliness can all affect a
patient's comfort.
2. Healthcare staff: The attitude and behavior of healthcare staff
towards patients can also affect their comfort. Patients are more likely
to feel comfortable if they are treated with respect, kindness, and
compassion.
3. Pain management: Patients who are experiencing pain or discomfort
may have difficulty feeling comfortable. Effective pain management
strategies can greatly improve a patient's comfort.
4. Communication: Communication is key when it comes to patient
comfort. Patients who feel heard and understood by their healthcare
providers are more likely to feel comfortable and at ease.
5. Emotional support: Patients who are going through a medical
procedure or illness may also need emotional support in addition to
physical comfort measures. Healthcare providers who offer
emotional support and reassurance can greatly improve a patient's
comfort.
6. Culture and beliefs: Cultural and personal beliefs can also impact a
patient's comfort measures. It is important for healthcare providers to
be aware of and respectful of a patient's cultural and personal beliefs
when providing care.
EQUIPMENT’S USE FOR PATIENT COMFORT MEASURES
There are several types of equipment that can be used to improve
patient comfort measures in healthcare settings. Some of the most common
equipment include:
1. Adjustable beds: These beds can be adjusted to different positions,
allowing patients to find a comfortable position to sleep or rest in.
2. Pressure-relieving mattresses: These mattresses are designed to
distribute pressure evenly across the body, reducing the risk of
pressure sores and improving patient comfort.
3. Overbed tables: These tables can be adjusted to different heights and
angles, allowing patients to eat, read, or use a laptop or tablet
comfortably while lying in bed.
4. Patient lifts and transfer equipment: These devices are used to lift
and transfer patients from bed to wheelchair or other surfaces,
reducing the risk of injury and discomfort.
5. Heating and cooling devices: Heating pads, electric blankets, and
cooling pads can be used to provide thermal comfort to patients,
especially those with pain or inflammation.
6. Noise-cancelling headphones: These headphones can be used to
block out noise in the hospital environment, helping patients to relax
and rest more comfortably.
7. Infusion pumps: These pumps are used to deliver medications and
fluids to patients in a controlled manner, reducing discomfort from
injections or repeated administration of medication.
It is important for healthcare providers to understand the proper use and
maintenance of equipment used for patient comfort measures to ensure
patient safety and comfort.
ROLES OF A NURSE IN A COMFORT ZONE
A nurse's role in creating a comfort zone for patients is crucial in
facilitating a healing environment. Here are some of the key roles that a
nurse may play in creating a comfort zone:
1. Assessing the patient's comfort level: Nurses may assess patients to
identify their comfort levels, including physical comfort and
emotional comfort. This can help them identify ways to enhance the
patient's comfort and promote healing.
2. Creating a welcoming environment: Nurses can help create a
welcoming environment by ensuring that the patient's room is clean,
tidy, and well-ventilated. This may also include adjusting the lighting
and temperature to the patient's liking.
3. Providing emotional support: Nurses can provide emotional support
to patients by actively listening to their concerns and offering
empathy and reassurance. This can help reduce anxiety and stress
and promote a sense of comfort.
4. Providing pain management: Nurses can provide medication and
other interventions to manage pain and discomfort. This may include
administering pain medication and non-pharmacological
interventions, such as positioning and relaxation techniques.
5. Educating patients: Nurses can educate patients and their families
about their care and treatment options. This can help alleviate anxiety
and promote a sense of control, which can contribute to a more
comfortable environment.
6. Advocating for patient comfort: Nurses may advocate for the
patient's comfort by communicating with other members of the
healthcare team and ensuring that the patient's needs and preferences
are being met.
Overall, nurses play an essential role in creating a comfortable
environment for patients. They can help reduce stress, promote healing,
and enhance the overall quality of care provided.