Module Code - Title:
NM6002
-
ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module aims to enable students to develop advanced knowledge and skills to undertake a comprehensive health history and clinical assessment through interactive, subjective and objective data collection. Applied concepts of anatomy, physiology, and pathology in the justification for diagnosis/formulation of individual's health problem(s).
Syllabus:
The module focuses on the principles of person centred assessment and clinical reasoning. Global physical assessment, complete physical examination 'across body' systems. Interdisciplinary communication and documentation. Skills will be taught and assessed within the clinical skills laboratories at the Department of Nursing and Midwifery. Content includes:
Interpersonal skills, health history taking, mental health assessment, physical assessment, interpreting, assessing and formulation/diagnosis, identify and evaluate interventions, ethical aspects of assessment including special client groups.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
At the end of this module students will be able to:
Integrate relevant knowledge and skills in the conduction of a comprehensive person centred physical assessment of patients/clients at an advanced level within their practice area (or identified scope of practice).
Incorporate appropriate concepts of anatomy, physiology, and pathology in the diagnosis/formulation of individual's health problem(s) within the scope of advancing practice.
Critically interpret findings derived from history and examination from normal subnormal and at risk states of health in the construction of a diagnosis/formulation of the patient's health problem(s).
Provide a critical and analytical justification for diagnosis/formulation of individual problem(s) based on clinical assessments undertaken.
Critical appraise and review interactions with individuals and their evaluation decisions.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
At the end of this module students will be able to:
Demonstrate an appreciation of and promote person centred choices within quality health care.
Critically reflect on their own and others' learning and practice.
Uphold the professional values and standards as laid out in the Code of Professional conduct and Ethics (NMBI 2014) supported by the University of Limerick Code of Conduct.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
At the end of this module students will be able to:
Take an appropriate history from a patient presenting with a health problem(s).
Conduct appropriate physical examination(s) to determine the likely cause(s) of the individual's health problem(s).
Record their findings and interpretation accurately and comprehensibly in written and oral formats.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be delivered in a blended learning format with interactive and face-to-face workshops. Teaching and learning is a student centred collaboration informed by skills development needs in expanding knowledge and understanding through guided practice. During the workshops, students' practice and test skills with direct guidance from trained and experienced lecturers and clinicians.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Bickley L.S., Szilagyi P.G. & Hoffman R.M (2017)
'Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 12th ed.
, Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Jarvis, C. (2020)
Physical Examination and Health Assessment
, Elsevier Science
Rhoads, J., Murphy Jensen, M., (2020)
Differential Diagnosis for the Advanced Practice Nurse
, Springer: New York
Alfes, C., Zimmermann, E., (2020)
Clinical Simulations for the Advanced Practice Nurse: A Comprehensive Guide for Faculty, Students, and Simulation Staff 1st Edition
, Springer: New York
Jefford, E. and Jomeen, J (2020)
Empowering Decision-Making in Midwifery: a Global Perspective
, Routledge
Other Relevant Texts:
Doughlas G., Nicol F. & Robertson C. (2014)
Macleod's Clinical Examination 13th ed
, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, Edinburgh
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Louise.A.Barry@ul.ie