Topic 2 DQ 2 Compare the physical assessment of a child to that of an adult. In addition to describing the similar/different aspects of the physical assessment, explain how the nurse would offer instruction during the assessment, how communication would be adapted to offer explanations, and what strategies the nurse would use to encourage engagement.

“Health assessment of young and middle-aged adults extends beyond physical examination. The nurse uses a holistic outlook with consideration for mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the individuals” (Falkner, 2018). An adult would receive a head to toe assessment and may receive a more focused cardiac or respiratory assessment. The adult would be asked about medical history and current medications being taken. With an adult you could speak more plainly than you can with a child. You may need to give examples or comparisons to a child. You should still instruct the patient as to what you are doing during the assessment. You could also give the adult patient handouts to learn more about their assessment. NRS-434VN Topic 2: Health Assessment of the Toddler, Preschool, and School-Aged Child

A child assessment would be done differently than an adult. The child more than likely would be more apprehensive than an adult. Before the assessment started the nurse should interact with the child’s parent that way the child would be more apt to interact with the nurse and this would also begin a trusting rapport. The nurse should get eye level with the child and explain in terms the child can understand while the nurse is explaining what is being done. The nurse would start with less invasive assessments first. The parent may hold the child during the assessment. The nurse may have to ask the parent instead of the child about some of the problems the child may be having. Another thing the nurse would do is let the child see the equipment before using it. Before I take a temporal temperature on a child, I run the thermometer over my forehead first. This lets the child know what I’m about to do to them and that it doesn’t hurt. I tell the child what I’m doing every step of the way. I reassure them and speak kindly to them.

In both assessments, I would inform the patient as to what part of the assessment would be performed next. I would ask questions (if possible) to both of the patients as well. I would be compassionate and attentive while the patient spoke and these strategies would encourage engagement. NRS-434VN Topic 2: Health Assessment of the Toddler, Preschool, and School-Aged Child

References

Falkner, A. (2018). Adult Health Assessment. In Health assessment: Foundations for effective practice. Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs434vn/health-assessment-foundations-for-effective-practice/v1.1/#/chapter/4

NRS-434VN Topic 2: Health Assessment of the Toddler, Preschool, and School-Aged Child