NURS 340
Health Assessment Throughout The Lifespan
NURS 340. Health Assessment Throughout The Lifespan
Two hours lecture; two hours laboratory (3)
Prerequisites: Upper Division standing
Semester offered: Fall and Spring
Focuses on the use of health assessment skills required to perform a systematic health assessment.
The objectives and content of this Level 1 Course are derived from the School of Nursing’s philosophy and conceptual framework, and facilitate achievement of the School’s program objectives. Additionally, the major topics and skills covered in this course are common to major leadership and professional development nursing textbooks, and represent areas covered on standardized achievement examinations and the NCLEX-RN Test Plan. Current research and advancement in theory and clinical practice also determine content.
1. National Health Priorities
2. Holistic Health Assessment
3. Growth Measurement and Recording Information
4. Nutritional Assessment
5. Examination Techniques and Equipment
6. Assessment and Recording of Vital Signs
7. Skin, Hair, Nails
8. Eyes
9. Ears, Nose, Throat
10. Lymphatic System
11. Chest and Lung, Breast and Axillae
12. Heart and Peripheral Vascular
13. Abdomen
14. Musculoskeletal Assessment
15. Neurological Assessment and Mental Status
16. Female Genitalia and Male Genitalia
17. Anus and Rectum
18. Putting It All Together
19. Integrated Physical Exam
The following teaching strategies will be employed:
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate skill in interviewing and communication techniques recognizing the client as a partner in obtaining a holistic health history.
2. Demonstrate skill in performing a safe and accurate physical assessment.
3. Record data collected from the client history and physical assessment in a concise, accurate, and logical sequence.
4. Demonstrate critical thinking with the ability to integrate the complete history and physical assessment.
5. Demonstrate critical thinking with the ability to analyze assessment data and assign appropriate nursing diagnosis.
6. Describe pertinent findings in select body systems occurring across the life span incorporating the influence of cultural diversity.
May include:
The course grade is determined by an evaluation of the extent to which the student meets the stated course objectives. Students must have a minimum of 75% (“C”) in theory, measured through testing. Other written or class participation work will be included in the final grade after the minimum 75% (“C”) has been attained through testing.
Final Grades are a combination of at least 75% (“C”) on both theory and clinical/lab components. Clinical/lab performance must be satisfactory to pass the course.
Honor Code: By accepting admission to Radford University, each student makes a commitment to understand, support, and abide by the University Honor Code without compromise or exception. Violations of academic integrity will not be tolerated. This class will be conducted in strict observance of the Honor Code. Refer to your Student Handbook for details.
Students with Disabilities: If you are seeking classroom accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act, you are required to register with the Disability Resource Office (DRO). The DRO is located in Room 32, Tyler Hall, telephone 540-831-6350. To receive academic accommodations for this class, please obtain the proper DRO forms and meet with me no later than the second week of the semester.
Attendance: For Attendance policies and other course-related requirements, see School of Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook and Course Description.
Date Action Reviewed by
April 2006 Undergraduate Curriculum Marcella Griggs, Director