vcc.ca
HLTH 1271: Physical Assessment for Nurses
Effective date
September 2017
Department
Allied Health
School
Continuing Studies
Description
Through a combination of theory instruction and lab practice, students will have the opportunity to review the body systems and practice a method of completing a comprehensive assessment of the client. Participants will learn a systematic method of reviewing and organizing a physical assessment of a patient that begins at the head and works down to the toes. This course incorporates critical thinking strategies, the head to toe assessment, a review of the body systems, and documentation of appropriate information.
Credits
0.0
Year of study
Continuing Professional Development
Prerequisites
Current RN/RPN/LPN Licensure, any province of Canada.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the role of the nurse in physical assessments
- Identify and explain common critical thinking strategies
- Describe the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system
- Describe the respiratory system
- Describe the neurological system
- Describe the Renal, GI and GU systems
- Describe the musculoskeletal system
- Describe the integumentary system
- Identify and explain elements of a physical assessment
- Document appropriate information in the patient’s progress notes
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 4
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 3
Total Hours: 7
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 3
Total Hours: 7
Instructional Strategies
Grading System
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Passing grade
Full attendance and lab certification of practical skills
Evaluation Plan
None
Course topics
- Introduction to Critical Thinking Strategies Head to Toe Assessment, Functional Assessment, Focused assessment Cardiovascular System Respiratory System Neurological System Gastrointestinal System Renal, Genitourinary System Musculoskeletal System Integument System Documentation of Physical Assessment
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.