1.8: Focused Assessments

Registered nurses do focused assessments in response to a specific patient health problem recognized by the nurse as needing further assessment of a body system or systems.

Focused Respiratory System Assessment

The respiratory system is responsible for the exchange of gases in the body. A focused respiratory system assessment includes collecting subjective data about the patient’s history of smoking, collecting the patient’s and patient’s family’s history of pulmonary disease, and asking the patient about any signs and symptoms of pulmonary disease, such as cough and shortness of breath. Objective data is also assessed.

Focused Cardiovascular and Peripheral Vascular System Assessment

The cardiovascular and peripheral vascular system affects the entire body. A cardiovascular and peripheral vascular system assessment includes collecting subjective data about the patient’s diet, nutrition, exercise, and stress levels; collecting the patient’s and the patient’s family’s history of cardiovascular disease; and asking the patient about any signs and symptoms of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease, such as peripheral edema, shortness of breath (dyspnea), and irregular pulse rate. Objective data is also assessed.

Focused Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Assessment

The gastrointestinal and genitourinary system is responsible for the ingestion of food, the absorption of nutrients, and the elimination of waste products. A focused gastrointestinal and genitourinary assessment includes collecting subjective data about the patient’s diet and exercise levels, collecting the patient’s and the patient’s family’s history of gastrointestinal and genitourinary disease, and asking the patient about any signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal and genitourinary disease, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and characteristics of urine and feces. Objective data is also assessed.

Focused Musculoskeletal System Assessment

The musculoskeletal system provides structure and function for the human body. A focused musculoskeletal assessment includes collecting subjective data about the patient’s mobility and exercise level, collecting the patient’s and the patient’s family’s history of musculoskeletal conditions, and asking the patient about any signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal injury or conditions. Objective data is also assessed.

Focused Neurological System Assessment

The neurological system is responsible for all human function. It exerts unconscious control over basic body functions, and it also enables complex interactions with others and the environment (Stephen et al., 2012). A focused neurological assessment includes collecting subjective data about the patient’s history of head injury or dysfunction, collecting the patient’s and the patient’s family’s history of neurological disease, and asking the patient about signs and symptoms of neurological conditions, such as seizures, memory loss (amnesia), and visual disturbances. Objective data is also assessed.

Critical Thinking Exercises

1. Your patient complains of stomach pain during your head-to-toe assessment. What would be your next steps?
2. You notice that your patient seems lethargic during your head-to-toe assessment. What would be your next steps?

Attributions