Chapter 8 Assessment
Chapter 8 Assessment
Chapter 8 Assessment
To construct picture of clients current emotional state, mental capacity, and behavioral function To form basis for plan of care To establish clinical baseline to evaluate effectiveness of treatment and interventions
Factors Influencing Assessment Client participation/feedback Clients health status Clients previous experiences/ misconceptions about health care Clients ability to understand Nurses attitude and approach
How to Conduct the Interview Provide a comfortable, private, safe environment Obtain input from family and friends (with clients permission) Ask questions that are open-ended or closed-ended as needed
Data Analysis Data analysis follows assessment Nursing diagnoses are formulated for the nursing care plan The assessment data can be analyzed to form an interdisciplinary treatment plan or a plan for home care
Psychological Tests Psychological tests are another source of data to use in planning care. Intelligence testscognitive abilities and intellectual functioning Personality testsself-concept, impulse control, reality testing, and major defense mechanisms
Self-Awareness Issues
Self-awareness is important for the nurse so that personal beliefs, attitudes, or feelings do not interfere with the objective assessment of clients It may be uncomfortable to discuss areas such as suicidal ideas or sexuality issues, but it is important for the nurse to do so Being open, clear, direct, and nonjudgmental are essential nurse behaviors; it may be helpful to discuss feelings with a colleague if difficult issues are encountered in the assessment process