Health care professionals do focused assessments in response to a specific patient health problem recognized by the assessor as needing further assessment of a body system or systems. Show Focused Respiratory System AssessmentFigure 2.2 Respiratory systemA focused respiratory system assessment includes collecting subjective data about the patient’s history of smoking, collecting the patient’s and patient’s family’s history of pulmonary disease, and asking the patient about any signs and symptoms of pulmonary disease, such as cough and shortness of breath. Objective data is also assessed. The focused respiratory system assessment in Checklist 19 outlines the process for gathering objective data.
Focused Cardiovascular and Peripheral Vascular System AssessmentFigure 2.3 Anatomy of the heartThe cardiovascular and peripheral vascular system affects the entire body. A cardiovascular and peripheral vascular system assessment includes collecting subjective data about the patient’s diet, nutrition, exercise, and stress levels; collecting the patient’s and the patient’s family’s history of cardiovascular disease; and asking the patient about any signs and symptoms of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease, such as peripheral edema, shortness of breath (dyspnea), and irregular pulse rate. Objective data is also assessed. The focused cardiovascular and peripheral vascular system assessment in Checklist 20 outlines the process for gathering objective data.
Focused Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary AssessmentFigure 2.4 Gastrointestinal system Figure 2.5 Components of the urinary systemThe gastrointestinal and genitourinary system is responsible for the ingestion of food, the absorption of nutrients, and the elimination of waste products. A focused gastrointestinal and genitourinary assessment includes collecting subjective data about the patient’s diet and exercise levels, collecting the patient’s and the patient’s family’s history of gastrointestinal and genitourinary disease, and asking the patient about any signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal and genitourinary disease, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and characteristics of urine and faeces. Objective data is also assessed. The focused gastrointestinal and genitourinary assessment in Checklist 21 outlines the process for gathering objective data.
Focused Musculoskeletal System AssessmentFigure 2.6a Anterior view of muscles Figure 2.6b Posterior view of musclesA focused musculoskeletal assessment includes collecting subjective data about the patient’s mobility and exercise level, collecting the patient’s and the patient’s family’s history of musculoskeletal conditions, and asking the patient about any signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal injury or conditions. Objective data is also assessed. The focused musculoskeletal assessment in Checklist 22 outlines the process for gathering objective data.
Video 2.1Focused Neurological System AssessmentFigure 2.7 Nervous systemThe neurological system is responsible for all human function. It exerts unconscious control over basic body functions, and it also enables complex interactions with others and the environment (Stephen et al., 2012). A focused neurological assessment includes collecting subjective data about the patient’s history of head injury or dysfunction, collecting the patient’s and the patient’s family’s history of neurological disease, and asking the patient about signs and symptoms of neurological conditions, such as seizures, memory loss (amnesia), and visual disturbances. Objective data is also assessed. The focused neurological assessment in Checklist 23 outlines the process for gathering objective data.
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