Health & Physical Assessment

The new third edition of this text presents holistic health assessment in a unique narrative format that is practical and easy to understand. Introductory chapters reinforce basic skills, from interviewing techniques, to assessment of health beliefs and behaviors. Subsequent assessment chapters are organized by body system and consistently explore anatomy and physiology, examination, and variations from health. Sample Documentation, Diagnoses, and Critical Thinking Questions at the end of each chapter offer students a chance to apply what they've learned to realistic clinical scenarios. Special boxes throughout the text call out Risk Factors, Cultural Considerations, and Helpful Hints, while an entire unit addresses special populations and assessment throughout the lifespan. Every chapter has been carefully reviewed and is fully updated.

· A consistent format is employed in body system chapters, with three main headings for Anatomy and Physiology, Examination, and Variations from Health
· Hundreds of full-color multicultural illustrations depict examination procedures, equipment, and normal and abnormal findings
· A separate culture chapter and Cultural Considerations boxes integrated throughout the text present differences among cultural and ethnic groups to prepare nurses to work with an increasingly diverse patient population.
· Preparation for Examination and Examination Step-by-Step boxes in each body system chapter summarize key information in a concise format.
· Helpful Hints boxes integrated throughout the narrative provide practical tips for performing a thorough and accurate assessment.
· Risk Factors boxes highlight risk factors relevant to various body systems and specific disorders.
· Chapter 28: Clients with Functional Limitations discusses special assessment variables and tools for clients who are disabled, handicapped, or otherwise impaired.
· A Glossary at the end of the book provides definitions to enhance student comprehension and review of key concepts and terminology

· Chapter opener pedagogy now includes:
- Learning Objectives
- Chapter Outlines with page numbers
- Purpose of Examination summaries
· New Chapter 1: Framework for Health Assessment provides a helpful introduction to health assessment and the nursing process, including an introduction to NANDA nursing diagnoses.
· New Chapter 4: Assessment of Health Beliefs and Behaviours covers major health behaviour theories, including health promotion
· Chapter 10: Nutritional Assessment has been thoroughly updated and reorganized for increased readability and clinical relevance
· Teaching Self-Assessment sections have been highlighted and expanded to emphasize health
· promotion and patient education
· Critical thinking questions have been added at the end of each chapter with answers posted on MERLIN website to help students evaluate their learning
· Chapter 24: Clinical Reasoning in Determining Health Status (Chapter 1 in second edition) now discusses NIC, NOC, and evidence-based practice
· Glossary terms are bolded in text where defined