NRS 434 Compare the physical assessment of a child to that of an adult

NRS 434 Compare the physical assessment of a child to that of an adult

NRS 434 Compare the physical assessment of a child to that of an adult

The physical assessment of a child and adult  are nearly the same for children and adults. They have some similarities based on a physical assessment, chest measures, heart rate, lung function, and other factors are assessed in children and adults of course with different normal parameters based on age. The health care provider always checks for the right patient, right treatment before any care is done, they also introduce themselves and do hand hygiene before. Dissimilarities of a physical assessment  of a child  and an adult are that a child should be permitted to play during a physical assessment. This can make the assessment easier  because the child should not feel fear during assessment. This will make things easier for the child and nurse during the physical exam. When communicating  with a child during an assessment, directions given to a child should be straightforward and understandable. The child should be able to comprehend at their age level. The delivering of the directions should be a calm and soothing tone of voice.While assessing children, nurses must use age-appropriate language, simplified instructions, and explanations (Erickson et al., 2019)  This engages the child in trusting the relationship between the nurse and child. The nurse should pay close attention to the subjective of the assessment as it is crucial for nurses to gather as much information as possible during this time. Listening to the child and through play is also a way to  encourage the child to become more involved during a physical assessment.

Reference: 

Erickson, K. I., Hillman, C., Stillman, C. M., Ballard, R. M., Bloodgood, B., Conroy, D. E., … & Powell, K. E. (2019). Physical activity, cognition, and brain outcomes: a review of the 2018 physical activity guidelines. Medicine and science in sports and exercise51(6), 1242. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6527141/

canyon university. https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs434vn/health-assessment-foundations-for- 

effective-practice/v1.1/#/chapter/2 

I completely agree with your statement. A general observation of body structures, consciousness, awareness, symmetry, posture, and affect. In the interview process, which helps the nurse gain information regarding main complaints, history, and social details, the nurse performs a systematic head-to-toe assessment of the patient (Sue Z, Green & Angel Falkner, 2022).

Sue Z, Green & Angel Falkner. (2022). Health Assessment: Foundations for Effective Practice (Second Edition). Grand Canyon University.

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Great response , children and adults have some similarities in their physical assessments. They both have their chest measures, heart rate, lung function, and other factors assessed. However, the normal parameters for these assessments differ based on age. Before providing any care, healthcare providers always check that they have the right patient and treatment, introduce themselves, and clean their hands. There are also differences in how children and adults are assessed. Children are allowed to play during their assessment to make them feel more at ease and reduce fear. When talking to children during the assessment, healthcare providers use simple and clear instructions that match their understanding. They speak in a calm and soothing tone of voice. It’s important to listen carefully to children and engage them through play to encourage their involvement in the assessment.

  1. Jarvis, C. (2020). Physical Examination and Health Assessment. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Dear Julia, I like reading your post. Your post is very informative. To identify the differences of child and adult assessment, we must have knowledge prior on what to expect. Taking in the datas whether it be objective or subjective is dependent upon the client. There are many techniques to use when interviewing a child. Examining the patient’s vital signs and completing a general checkup of the patient’s behavior are all common parts of pediatric and adult evaluations. However, the methods and strategies used vary significantly. A nurse should speak clearly and in a language suitable for the kid’s age while directing the child during a physical evaluation (Belleza, 2017). 

NRS 434 Compare the physical assessment of a child to that of an adult
NRS 434 Compare the physical assessment of a child to that of an adult

Belleza, M. (2017). Pediatric Health Assessment and Physical Examination – Nurseslabs. Nurseslabs. https://nurseslabs.com/pediatric-health-assessment/

Why is it important to ask about Neonatal period during an assessment inlcuding – Apgar scores, breathing problems, use of oxygen, need for intensive care, hyperbilirubinemia, birth injuries, feeding problems, length of stay, birth weight? Why is the data useful?

Thank you for your response. I agree that in an assessment with kids, they should be allowed to play. By allowing the child to play during an assessment, it will make them feel more comfortable. However, if the child is not interested, it is also a good idea to have them sit on their parent’s lap since that is where they feel safest. This will help put the child at ease and make it easier for the child to trust the nurse.

House, R. (2008). Tricking Kids Into the Perfect Exam: Tips for Evaluating the Pediatric Patient. EM Pediatrics. Retrieved June 18, 2023 from https://emergency.med.ufl.edu/files/2013/02/Tricking-Kids-into-the-Perfect-Exam.pdf

I agree there are many similarities when assessing an adult and adolescent if we refer to anatomy. Still, at the same time, as nurses, the approach during the assessment might differ. Every patient must obtain a complete health history. Finding this information may prove challenging when caring for adolescent patients. Teenagers may be reluctant or uncomfortable discussing their health concerns and need openly because of growing insecurities, embarrassment, and fear of parental discipline.  In the first encounter with the nurse, you may have a better chance of building relationships that will lead to them opening up more readily.

Sue Z, Green & Angel Falkner. (2022). Health Assessment: Foundations for Effective Practice (Second Edition). Grand Canyon University.