Devry Nr305 Health Assessment Journal Article Review
Journal Article Review
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Health Assessment
NR 305
Journal Article Review
Introduction . In the December 2007 issue of Nursing Standards, Hilary Lloyd and Stephen Craig explain the process and importance of taking a full and comprehensive patient health history in the article, “A guide to taking a patient’s history”. General principles, tools and strategies are outlined in this article to assist the nurse when performing a health history assessment for a patient in any setting.
Summary of the Article According to Lloyd and Craig, taking a patient history is the most important aspect of patient assessment because information from the history is essential in guiding the treatment and management of the patient (p. 48). In this article, these two authors provide the reader with an easy to follow guide to professionally collect accurate patient information from the generalized public that is organized and prioritized through a systemic approach. The first step of this systemic process is preparing a professional, safe and private environment that is free from distractions so the patient feels comfortable disclosing confidential information to the nurse. “The nurse should be able to gather information in a systemic, sensitive and professional manner. Good communication skills are essential.” (Lloyd & Craig, 2007). Introducing yourself, using active listening, avoiding jargon, maintaining eye contact and holding an interested posture are examples of good communication skills. “It is important to use appropriate questioning techniques to ensure nothing is missed when taking a patient history.” (Lloyd & Craig, 2007). Begin the assessment process by using open questioning to discuss the presenting complaint to gather information. Then clarify this information with closed questions by focusing on cardinal symptoms. According to Lloyd and Craig, it is important to concentrate on symptoms and not on diagnosis to ensure that no
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Health Assessment
NR 305
Journal Article Review
Introduction . In the December 2007 issue of Nursing Standards, Hilary Lloyd and Stephen Craig explain the process and importance of taking a full and comprehensive patient health history in the article, “A guide to taking a patient’s history”. General principles, tools and strategies are outlined in this article to assist the nurse when performing a health history assessment for a patient in any setting.
Summary of the Article According to Lloyd and Craig, taking a patient history is the most important aspect of patient assessment because information from the history is essential in guiding the treatment and management of the patient (p. 48). In this article, these two authors provide the reader with an easy to follow guide to professionally collect accurate patient information from the generalized public that is organized and prioritized through a systemic approach. The first step of this systemic process is preparing a professional, safe and private environment that is free from distractions so the patient feels comfortable disclosing confidential information to the nurse. “The nurse should be able to gather information in a systemic, sensitive and professional manner. Good communication skills are essential.” (Lloyd & Craig, 2007). Introducing yourself, using active listening, avoiding jargon, maintaining eye contact and holding an interested posture are examples of good communication skills. “It is important to use appropriate questioning techniques to ensure nothing is missed when taking a patient history.” (Lloyd & Craig, 2007). Begin the assessment process by using open questioning to discuss the presenting complaint to gather information. Then clarify this information with closed questions by focusing on cardinal symptoms. According to Lloyd and Craig, it is important to concentrate on symptoms and not on diagnosis to ensure that no
References: Lloyd, H., & Craig, S. (2007, December 5). A guide to taking a patient’s history. Nursing Standard, 22, 42-8. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.proxy.devry.edu