Purpose
Before any nursing plan of care or intervention can be implemented or evaluated, the nurse assesses the individual
through the collection of both subjective and objective data. The data collected are used to determine areas of need or
problems to be addressed by the nursing care plan. This assignment will focus on collecting subjective assessment data,
synthesizing the data, and on identifying health/wellness priorities based on the findings. The purpose of the assignment
is two-fold:
To recognize the interrelationships of subjective data (physiological, psychosocial, cultural/spiritual, and
developmental) affecting health and wellness.
To reflect on the interactive process between self and client when conducting a health assessment.
Course Outcomes: This assignment enables the student to meet the following course outcomes:
CO 1: Explain expected client behaviors while differentiating between normal findings variations, and abnormalities. (PO
1)
CO 2: Utilize prior knowledge of theories and principles of nursing and related disciplines to integrate clinical
judgment in professional decision-making and implementation of nursing process while obtaining a physical
assessment. (POs 4 & 8)
CO 3: Recognize the influence that developmental stages have on physical, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual
functioning. (PO 1)
CO 4: Utilize effective communication when performing a health assessment. (PO 3)
CO 5: Demo
nstrate beginning skill in performing a complete physical examination, using the techniques of inspection,
palpation, percussion, and auscultation. (PO 2)
CO 6: Identify teaching/learning needs from the health history of an individual. (POs 2 & 5)
CO 7: Explore the professional responsibility involved in conducting a comprehensive health assessment and providing
appropriate documentation. (POs 6 & 7)
Due date: Your faculty member will inform you when this assignment is due. The Late Assignment Policy applies to
this assignment.
Total points possible: 100 points
Preparing the assignment
Follow these guidelines when completing this assignment. Speak with your faculty member if you have questions.
1. Complete a health assessment/history on an individual of your choice who is 18 years of age or older and NOT a
family member or close friend.
a. The purpose of this restriction is to avoid any tendency to anticipate answers or to influence how the questions
are answered. Your goal in choosing an interviewee is to simulate the interaction between you and an individual
for whom you would provide care.
b. Inform the individual that information obtained will be kept confidential and do not use identifying information
within the assignment.
c. There are three parts to this assignment.
2. Include the following sections when completing the assignment
a. Health History Assessment (50 points/50%)
1) Demographics
2) Perception of Health