The programs in this series define nursing assessment and show how it relates to nursing practice and daily care routines. It prepares the viewer to perform a complete initial assessment on a stable patient as well as to recognize changes in physical status requiring immediate attention. The importance of accurate, complete, and timely documentation and effective communication skills are also delineated.

The series consists of three programs:

INTRODUCTION TO NURSING ASSESSMENT
This program describes how the nurse should utilize her knowledge, senses, evaluation techniques, interviewing skills, and intuition in working with patients. It also emphasizes the dangers inherent in focusing on technologically advanced equipment rather than the patients themselves. In addition, there is an emphasis on the fact that patient assessment is a continuum rather than an isolated event and to ensure good outcomes, communication between staff must be effective. This program ends with a real-time scenario in which a nurse takes a medical history. 21 minutes

THE HEAD-TO-TOE ASSESSMENT
A realistic scenario demonstrates a routine physical assessment on a healthy patient, using a head-to-toe format. Throughout the program, information is given regarding abnormal findings and their indications. Methods for putting the patient at ease as well as techniques promoting an open dialogue regarding medical information are also demonstrated, as are ways of including patient education. 27 minutes

THE SYSTEMS BASED ASSESSMENT
In this program, a realistic scenario is utilized, demonstrating the physical assessment of a healthy individual using a systems-based approach. As each body system is assessed, abnormal findings and their indications are discussed. Methods for placing the patient at ease, gaining patient cooperation, and creating teaching moments are also demonstrated and discussed. 26 minutes

*Instructor Guides available on-line