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Assessing
This is the first step in the nursing
process. It involves the systematic and
continuous collection, validation and
communication of client data.
Assessment Tools
On their own they are not holistic – only
assess one part of the person. But used
with a nursing model they can be
holistic.
Write down how you think the Stratify
tool can be applied holistically to the
Activities of Living in a care plan.
12 Activities of Living
Maintaining a safe environment
Communicating
Breathing
Eating and drinking
Eliminating
Personal cleansing and dressing
Eliminating
Controlling body temperature
Working and Playing
Mobilising
Sleeping
Expressing sexuality
Dying
Assessing
Establish the data base, which includes,
history, physical assessment, review of the
clients record, consultation with the family
and the other members of the health care
team.
Actual and potential problems/needs.
This is vital because the remaining steps
depend upon accurate, complete, factual and
relevant data.
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Assessment Tools
Appendices
Are only one piece of evidence – also need to
use your own assessment skills.
Screening: identify the presence or severity
of a particular problem.
Diagnosis: identify the presence or severity
of a particular problem.
Description: describes a clients abilities
Prediction: predicts the possibility of
problems arising
Think about the tools you use – which
category are they?
Why Assess?
Comprehensive, multidimensional
assessment improves outcomes in
terms of the health and well-being.
Lack of assessment can result in
avoidable health impairment and
disability.