Active Listening

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Recommended: The purpose and importance of a physical assessment

The physical assessment is the first step of the nursing process. This is a detailed examination of the body from head to toe which involves observation/inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. It is important to perform a series of tests and evaluations in order to create an accurate and effective plan of care for patients.
Assessing a client from a holistic point of view is important. This is a patient-centered approach, and it shows the client the care they are receiving is as an individual. Communication and active listening are the key components which can help patients to feel more deeply seen and understood. When we integrate a holistic approach other than just medical, it helps the patient reduce stress, produces better …show more content…

This way you will hear how the lungs sound with normal breathing. Now you take your stethoscope and place it over the right base of the lung on the back of the patient. Then you listen to the left base. Then the right middle lobe. Then the right upper lobe, and then the left upper lobe. All of this while the patient is taking normal breaths. All you want to do here is see if the lung sounds are equal on each side and if the air movement is normal, increased, or decreased. ( Respiratory Therapy Cave: Where to listen to lung sounds. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://respiratorytherapycave.blogspot.com/2010/10/where-to-listen-to-lung-sounds.html_br)
The Gastrointestinal assessment is also done using a stethoscope and palpation. First, palpate the abdomen to feel for distention, tenderness and also ask the client if they have any pain while palpating. Auscultate the bowel sounds using a stethoscope and place it on the right lower quadrant, and then right upper quadrant, and then left upper quadrant, and lastly, left lower quadrant.
Viewing inspects the Genital area. Genital Assessment: Male: Visually inspect the skin for lesions, discharge and cleanliness. Check bulges in the groin area. To inspect the testicles: gently palpate each testicle size, shape and consistency: two testicles in the scrotum, no nodules, swelling or

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