Heart Rate
Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: Palpating the pulse is another aspect of obtaining vital signs. Blood flow, which is caused by the beating heart, can be detected where arteries occur close to…
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Temperature
Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: Body temperature reflects the balance between heat produced and heat lost. Heat is produced in the body during muscle movement and the normal physical and chemical process,…
Vital Signs
Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: A vital sign is a marker of physiological homeostasis and are essential in the analysis of monitoring patient progress. Vital signs include the body temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and…
Common Types of Anthropometric Measurements
Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: A component of the generalized survey of patients is obtaining anthropometric measurements. Consideration of individual circumstances will help the nurse determine which methods should be utilized to obtain…
Performing a General Survey
Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: Nurses know that patients are more than just data. Data, such as vital signs and measurements, do provide a wealth of information, but the key to determining an…
Introduction
Figure 15.1 The first encounter between the nurse and the patient is the beginning of the nurse’s assessment. During this encounter, the nurse will observe, listen, ask appropriate questions, and start the assessment process. (credit: FYNI Media/Flickr, CC BY 2.0) Chapter Outline…
Competency-Based Assessments
1. A pregnant patient arrives at a clinic with vaginal bleeding and cramps and in obvious emotional distress. An exam reveals a pregnancy loss. How might this timing influence the patient’s coping mechanisms? how might the timing of the pregnancy…
What Should the Nurse Do?
Remy, a 32-year-old female, arrives at the obstetrics and gynecology clinic after experiencing vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramps at 10 weeks of gestation. She is visibly distressed and tearful. Remy reports having a smooth first trimester until yesterday when she…
Reflection Questions
1. Discuss the difference in counseling provided for early pregnancy loss and early pregnancy termination. 2. Explain nursing actions to assist a birthing person, their partner, and family to grieve an IPFD. 3. Explain the importance of nurses debriefing after…
Check Your Understanding Questions
1. List the principles of bereavement care that can be used to help families cope with pregnancy loss. 2. The nurse educates the patient who has experienced a pregnancy loss on what to do when her milk comes in. What…