NU7515 Advanced Physical Assessment Course – Objectives, Outline, and Assessment

NU7515 Advanced Physical Assessment is a graduate-level course designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in physical assessment techniques. The course aims to enhance students’ clinical reasoning and decision-making abilities to develop appropriate care plans for patients across the lifespan. In this article, we will provide a detailed outline of the course and its objectives.

Course Overview:

NU7515 Advanced Physical Assessment is a 3-credit-hour course that spans over 16 weeks. The course is divided into three major sections: introduction to physical assessment, advanced physical assessment, and clinical reasoning. The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical sessions, providing students with both theoretical and practical knowledge.

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Describe the principles and techniques of physical assessment across the lifespan.
2. Perform comprehensive health assessments using advanced techniques and technology.
3. Analyze and interpret data collected during physical assessments to formulate accurate diagnoses and develop appropriate care plans.
4. Demonstrate competence in conducting comprehensive physical assessments, including head-to-toe assessments, health histories, and physical exams.
5. Utilize evidence-based practices and clinical reasoning to develop appropriate interventions and care plans for patients.
6. Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
7. Demonstrate competence in conducting advanced physical assessments, including neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal assessments.

Course Outline:

Section 1: Introduction to Physical Assessment

Week 1-2: Overview of Physical Assessment

• Definition and importance of physical assessment

• Components of physical assessment

• Legal and ethical considerations

Week 3-4: Health History and Documentation

• Techniques for obtaining health history

• Documentation and electronic health records

• Communication with patients and families

Week 5-6: Physical Examination Techniques

• Inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation

• Techniques for examining different body systems

• Pain assessment and management

Section 2: Advanced Physical Assessment

Week 7-8: Neurological Assessment

• Anatomy and physiology of the nervous system

• Techniques for assessing the neurological system

• Common neurological disorders

Week 9-10: Cardiovascular Assessment

• Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system

• Techniques for assessing the cardiovascular system

• Common cardiovascular disorders

NU7515 Advanced Physical Assessment/Health assessment at the undergraduate level

Week 11-12: Respiratory Assessment

• Anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system

• Techniques for assessing the respiratory system

• Common respiratory disorders

Week 13-14: Gastrointestinal Assessment

• Anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal system

• Techniques for assessing the gastrointestinal system

• Common gastrointestinal disorders

Section 3: Clinical Reasoning

Week 15-16: Clinical Reasoning and Care Planning • Analyzing and interpreting data from physical assessments • Formulating accurate diagnoses and developing appropriate care plans • Utilizing evidence-based practices and clinical reasoning to develop interventions

Assessment:

Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, including written exams, practical assessments, and case studies. The assessments will test the students’ knowledge and skills in physical assessment techniques, clinical reasoning, and care planning.

Conclusion:

NU7515 Advanced Physical Assessment is an essential course for healthcare professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in physical assessment techniques. The course provides students with both theoretical and practical knowledge, enabling them to conduct comprehensive physical assessments and develop appropriate care plans for patients across the lifespan. Upon completion of the course, students will have the skills to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes.