Nurses use a combination of techniques to assess physical health, including patient interviews, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests. The assessment process typically includes:
- Vital Signs: Measuring blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. - Medical History: Gathering information about past illnesses, surgeries, and family history. - Physical Examination: Inspecting, palpating, percussing, and auscultating different body systems. - Diagnostic Tests: Ordering blood tests, imaging studies, and other diagnostic procedures as needed.
