Professional Documents
Culture Documents
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING
NSG 214
HEALTH ASSESSMENT
Faculty
Campus Faculty
San Diego
Shayla Casanova, MSN, RN
Adjunct Professor
Email: Shayla.Casanova@natuniv.edu
Phone:
LA
Jennifer Holt, MSN, RN
Associate Faculty
jholt@nu.edu
Fresno
Jennifer Holt, MSN, RN
Associate Faculty
jholt@nu.edu
PREREQUISITES Admission into the nursing program and completion of required general
education preparation with a minimum GPA 2.75. Corequisite NSG 214A
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Introduction to foundational concepts of health assessment to systematically gather and analyze data using
a patient-centered care approach. Concepts include obtaining a health-history, using therapeutic
interviewing skills, performing a comprehensive head-to-toe and problem-focused physical exam, psycho-
social and socio-cultural influences, and application of related current evidence. Concurrent enrollment in
NSG 214A is required.
COURSE GOAL
The primary goal of this course is application of theoretical concepts and skills required to obtain a health
history and perform a physical examination at the baccalaureate level.
1. Discuss therapeutic communication techniques that allow the nurse to gather subjective and
objective data for assessment of adult and geriatric patients.
2. Describe the approach to performing comprehensive and problem-focused assessments on adult
and geriatric patients.
3. Use current evidence to validate knowledge of the effects of sociocultural considerations in the
assessment of an adult and geriatric populations.
4. Explain the components of evidence-based health assessments for adult and geriatric patients.
INTEGRATION OF CLOS
The grid below provides information as to how the Program Learning Outcomes, Institutional Learning
Outcomes, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses,
and Planetree elements are integrated with the Course Learning Outcomes.
The Nursing Practice Act (NPA) is the body of California law that mandates the Board to set
out the scope of practice and responsibilities for RNs. The NPA is located in the California
Business and Professions Code starting with Section 2700.
REQUIRED TEXTS
Jensen, S. (2019). Jensen Nursing Health Assessment: A Best Practice Approach (3rd Ed.). Philadelphia,
PA: Lippincott Wolters Kluwer. ISBN-10: 1975104897. ISBN-13: 978-1975104894
Taber’s cyclopedic medical dictionary (23rd Ed.), (2017). Philadelphia, PA. F.A. Davis Company.
ISBN -13: 978-0-0803659049
TEACHING STRATEGIES
Teaching strategies geared toward adult learning will be implemented to expose students to theories and
content related to fundamentals in nursing care to facilitate the development of basic nursing knowledge
and role of the RN. To achieve this goal, the student will be held responsible for reading the assigned
materials and reviewing PowerPoints prior to class presentation of topics; and to apply theory to
practice by active participation in classroom activities. Teaching strategies may include didactics, case
studies, group presentations, self-study, and online activities.
Simulations: Simulation participation is required for all students. Simulations may involve high fidelity
manikins or standardized patients (which require faculty supervision) or virtual simulation assignments.
Standardized Simulation begins with student self-study of the patient case described in the simulation
scenario. The Simulation experience itself involves pre-briefing, a simulation run, and debriefing. Concept
maps and student reflections may be used to enhance student learning.
Learning Activities
This course consists of a series of activities and assessments to assist you in achieving Course Learning
Outcomes. With each session, you will complete various combinations of online assignments, activities,
discussion, media resources (YouTube and others), and case studies. Student will complete these activities
before each class session. Each activity will worth 1.5% and is graded as “all or none” method. Late
submission will not be accepted as these learning activities are to enrich and prepare student learning prior
to class time.
Midterm Exam
Exam 1 covers Session 1 to 4 contents. There will be a total of 50 questions, worth 25% of your final
course grade. No additional time will be given to complete the exam if you come in late to class. Due to the
compressed nature of the program, there will be no make up for a missed exam. A score of less than 76%
will result in placement into remediation and LSP. No cell phones will be allowed in students’ possession
during testing.
Final Exam
The Final exam covers Session 5 to 7 contents. There will be 50 questions, worth 25% of your final course
grade. No additional time will be allotted for those arriving late to class. Due to the compressed nature of
the program, there will be no make up for a missed exam. A score of less than 76% will result in placement
into remediation and LSP. No cell phones will be allowed in students’ possession during testing.
Group Presentation
The purpose of this assignment is for students to begin to demonstrate an understanding of the meaning of
physical assessment findings as clinical manifestations of common medical illnesses.
Develop a 15-minute presentation. Students can earn a maximum of 20% of the final course grade.
Review case study presentation rubric for grading criteria.
1. The concept map must include: definition of the chosen concept, elements of a physical assessment
that would be utilized to assess for the chosen concept, sample interview questions that patients
may be asked when assessing the concept, and 3 medical conditions associated with the chosen
concept.
2. The role of the nurse in caring for patients manifesting the chosen concept.
3. Ask the class at least two (2) NCLEX-Style Questions and discuss rationales for correct and
incorrect answers.
4. Reference list must be in APA format, have a minimum of 4 credible and scholarly resources
written within the last 5 years. Websites such as WebMD, Nursing Central, Mayo clinic or any
parent education/resource are not acceptable.
See the grading rubric for Presentation guidelines. Each group member will upload their presentation to
Blackboard prior to the Theory class meeting in Session 8. The electronic document shall be named:
StudentName Abbreviated Topic_NSG212_Term #_Faculty. Example: Jane
Joe_HF_NSG212_Term1711_McLaughlin. Late submissions will receive a 10% deduction of the
assignment grade for every day late.
Recommended Concepts
1. Dysphagia 7. Tachypnea
2. Aphasia 8. Tachycardia
3. Dyspnea 9. Bradycardia
4. Bradypnea 10. Paresthesia
5. Paralysis 11. Hypoxemia
6. Cyanosis 12. Hypoxia
GRADING CRITERIA
To be successful in NSG 214, students must achieve a Final average course grade of 76% or higher. Only
the final course grade will be rounded from the tenth place (one decimal). Example, 75.5% will be rounded
to final course grade of 76%. Late assignments will receive a point reduction of 10% of the assignment
for every day late. There is no extra credit available for any assignment or result on a course quiz or
exam.
COURSE WITHDRAWAL
The term “withdrawal” signifies that a student has withdrawn from a course after midnight of the ninth
(9th) day of the session. Notifying the instructor of one’s intent to withdraw is insufficient and will not
constitute a withdrawal. Students may withdraw themselves through the student portal on the University’s
website prior to midnight of the ninth (9th) day, or they may ask an admissions advisor to withdraw them.
Students who withdraw after midnight of the twenty-first (21st) day of the session will receive a grade of
“F” for the course. This is a permanent mark with no grade points assigned. Students may only withdraw
from required courses a maximum of two times total unless special permission is granted by the Chair of
the Department of Nursing.
REPEATING A COURSE
Any required nursing course for which a student receives a grade of less than a C must be repeated.
Students may only repeat a nursing course one time during the entire nursing program. Failure in a theory
course or a clinical course or both, counts as one course failure. The student will be allowed to repeat if
they have not repeated any nursing course prior to this. The student will not be allowed to repeat if they
have already repeated any nursing course prior.
Interim classes may be available, and the student must communicate with an academic advisor for a list of
upcoming courses.
Students may only withdraw from required courses a maximum of two times total unless special permission
is granted by the Chair of the Department of Nursing.
*Any student who is unsuccessful in fulfilling the above criteria will be disqualified from the Nursing
PARTICIPATION
Class participation is an important aspect of student learning. When you participate, you learn to express
ideas in a way that others can understand and learn from, which enhances further understanding of the
topic. As part of the Planetree person-centered learning approach, faculty work towards creating a climate
of learning and encouraging students to collaborate and ask questions. Student participation is an
expectation during class meetings and in group assignments. Your focus and engagement will help enhance
the learning environment for everyone.
PLANETREE
Planetree supports a holistic approach promoting emotional, spiritual, psychological, social, and physical
well‐being. The person-centered approach to education is grounded in mutually beneficial partnerships with
students, staff, faculty and community affiliates. Planetree identifies six (6) elements that are beneficial in
becoming “person-centered”: (1) cultural transformation; (2) person activation; (3) person engagement; (4)
leadership development; (5) performance improvement; and (6) service.
The principles of the Planetree person-centered approach are also grounded in the following components:
(7) human interactions; (8) access to information and education; (9) family and social support; (10)
diversity; (11) integrative therapies; (12) learning environment design; (13) meaningful activities and
alumni support; and (14) community partnerships. During this course, our goal is to model these principles
with a person-centered approach to learning. (McNeal, G., & Gehrke, E. (2016, February). National
University organizational assessment.
Planetree website: https://planetree.org/
QSEN
The Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) Institute was established to provide a “collaborative
of healthcare professionals focused on education, practice, and scholarship to improve quality and safety of
healthcare systems”. This mission and vision focuses on the “challenge of preparing future nurses with the
knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs) necessary to continuously improve the quality and safety of the
healthcare systems within which they work”. (QSEN Institute, 2018, About QSEN).
In accordance with National University, the School of Health and Human Services, and the Nursing
Program’s philosophy, mission, framework, and outcomes, the concepts of quality and safety in education
for nurses are integrated within each course. These are aligned to the individual course outcomes identified
in the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) to assist the learner in identifying integrated concepts. QSEN
competencies include: (1) Patient-Centered Care (PCC), (2) Teamwork and Collaboration (TC), (3)
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), (4) Quality Improvement (QI), (5) Safety (S), and (6) Informatics (I).
Faculty implement teaching strategies that support the student in developing the knowledge, skills, and
attitudes expected in the care of patients as students, graduates, and professional nurses.
QSEN Institute. (2018). Mission and Vision. Retrieved from http://qsen.org/
WEB SITES
NU Writing Center Web Page: http://www.nu.edu/writing_center/index.html
Make an appointment by going to http://tutor.nu.edu
Email the online writing center at wonline@nu.edu for short questions
Advice on writing in APA style: http://webster.commnet.edu/apa/apa_index.htm
Updates for APA Manual: http://www.apastyle.org/fifthchanges.html
ONLINE RESOURCES
QSEN Website: http://qsen.org/
Planetree Website: https://planetree.org/
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) http://www.ahrq.gov/
National Quality Forum (NQF) http://www.qualityforum.org/Home.aspx
The Joint Commission (TJC) http://www.jointcommission.org/
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Ethical behavior in the classroom is required of every student. Students are also expected to identify ethical
policies and practices relevant to course topics.
PLAGIARISM
Students are required to cite the use of materials written by others in all written communications for
courses. The use of ideas, words, or phrases without proper attribution constitutes plagiarism. Plagiarism is
the presentation of someone else’s ideas or work as one’s own. Students found plagiarizing are subject to
the penalties outlined in the Policies and Procedures section of the University Catalog, which may include a
failing grade for the work in question or for the entire course. The burden of proof rests on the student, not
the instructor; in other words, the student will be required to prove that plagiarism has not occurred.
Inadequately or improperly cited work receives no credit.
DIVERSITY
Learning to work with and value diversity is essential in every degree program. Students are required to act
respectfully toward other students and instructors throughout the course. Students are also expected to
exhibit an appreciation for multinational, age, and gender diversity in the classroom and develop leadership
skills and judgment appropriate to such diversity in the workplace.
DISABILITY
National University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the
Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you need accommodations due to a documented disability, please
contact the Office of Scholarships and Special Services at (858) 642-8185 or via e-mail at
specialservices@nu.edu. Information received by this office is confidential and is only released on a 'need-
to-know' basis or with your prior written consent. Accommodations can only be granted upon approval by
the Committee for Students with Disabilities (CSD).
WRITING CENTER
Assistance in meeting the written requirements for the course is available from the on-line Writing Centers.
Students may submit drafts of papers and outlines to the writing assistants and meet with them to discuss
strategies for improving their papers.
MATH TUTORS
Students have to check in with the Center Assistants of each Campus for the room location and/or online-
hours availability for Math tutors.
NU LIBRARY
National University Library supports academic rigor and student academic success by providing access to
scholarly books and journals both electronically and in hard copy. Print materials may be accessed at the
Library in San Diego or through document delivery for online and regional students. Librarians are
available to provide training, reference assistance, and mentoring at the San Diego Library and virtually for
online or regional students. Please take advantage of Library resources:
URL: www.nu.edu/library
Contact the Library: RefDesk@nu.edu
(858) 541-7900 (direct line)
1-866-NU ACCESS x 7900 (toll free)
Use the Library Training Tools (on the Library Homepage) for additional help
COMMUNICATION PROCESS
When a student is having a problem with the Nursing Program or a student who is notified that he/she is
not meeting the standards of the Nursing Program in either the classroom, nursing skills laboratory, or
clinical facility, the student should meet first with the Course Coordinator or (if the deficit is in clinical
practice) with the Course Coordinator and the Clinical Nursing Faculty. The student should seek
clarification of the deficit and work with the faculty to construct a plan for improvement. This process is
represented below. At any time the student may also consult the current National University Catalog for
University-level problem solving procedures.
Resolution?
No-
Yes-No Student and faculty (clinical
further
and/or course coordinator)
action
meet with Chair, Department of
Nursing
Minutes taken.
Note: Information is
confidential
Resolution?
No-
Begin formal process for
Yes-No
further
Program related problems as
action outlined in the University
Catalog.
Topic:
The Interview: Complete Health History
Assessment Techniques
Cultural Competence
Evidence-Based Assessment
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this session, the student will be able to:
Reading Assignments:
Journals:
Ch 1 Empowering Staff Nurses with Essential Skills.pdf
Ch 2 Assessment of Nursing Students’ Communication Skills.pdf
Ch 3 Assessing nursing interventions to reduce patient falls.pdf
Ch 10 The effectiveness of culturally-focused interventions.pdf
Lecture PPTs:
Chapter01.pptx
Chapter02.pptx
Chapter03.pptx
Chapter10.pptx
Learning Activities:
Topic:
The Interview: Complete Health History
Assessment Techniques
Cultural Competence
Evidence-Based Assessment
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this session, the student will be able to:
1. Verbalize importance of infection prevention and initiating standard precautions for all patient care.
2. Describe techniques to assess anthropometric data for patients across the lifespan.
3. Discuss blood pressure and the difference between systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressures and the
implications across the lifespan.
4. Describe pain assessment technique using various standardized scales and nursing considerations
for socio-cultural and developmental differences across the lifespan.
5. Understand the relationship between pathophysiological changes and vital sign including pain data
as manifestations of a change in a patient’s health status.
6. Describe components of a mental status assessment and relevance to determining patient’s
cognitive and emotional status.
7. Verbalize techniques and systematic process utilized to perform a comprehensive assessment of the
neurological system.
8. Utilize clinical judgment to assess for changes in neurological and neurosensory functionality
across the lifespan.
Reading Assignments:
Journals:
Ch 5 Effectiveness of respiratory rates in determining clinical deterioration.pdf
Ch 6 Assessing and Treating Pain.pdf
Ch 9 Assessing.pdf
Ch 22 A Developmental Framework for Evidence-Based Practices.pdf
Lecture PPTs:
Chapter05.pptx
Chapter06.pptx
Chapter09.pptx
Chapter22.pptx
Learning Activities:
Topic:
Nutrition
Integumentary
Head & Neck Assessment
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this session, the student will be able to:
Reading Assignments:
Journals:
Ch 7 Assessment of Nutritional Status.pdf
Ch 11 Wound Care Medical Record Documentation.pdf
Ch 12 Hard of Hearing Patient.pdf
Lecture PPTs:
Chapter07.pptx
Chapter11.pptx
Chapter12.pptx
Learning Activities:
Topic:
Ear Assessment
Eye Assessment
Nose, Sinuses, Mouth and Throat Assessment
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this session, the student will be able to:
1. Verbalize techniques and systematic process utilized to perform an assessment of the ears, eyes,
notes, sinuses, mouth and throat across the lifespan.
2. Identify alterations in the structure and/or function in the ears, eyes, notes, sinuses, mouth and
throat of patients across the lifespan.
3. Utilize clinical judgment to assess for physiological changes to HEENT systems across the
lifespan.
Reading Assignments:
Journals:
Ch 13 Cataract Surgery.pdf
Ch 14 Chemo-Induced hearing loss.pdf
Ch 15 Acute Sore Throat.pdf
Lecture PPTs:
Chapter13.pptx
Chapter14.pptx
Chapter15.pptx
Learning Activities:
Topic:
Chest & Thorax Assessment
Cardiovascular Assessment
Respiratory Assessment
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this session, the student will be able to:
1. Utilize clinical judgment to assess for physiological changes to pulmonary and cardiovascular
systems across the lifespan.
2. Verbalize techniques and systematic process utilized to perform a comprehensive assessment of the
thoracic cavity, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems.
3. Identify alterations in the structure and/or function of the thoracic cavity, cardiovascular and
pulmonary systems.
4. Describe normal versus adventitious lung sounds, normal ventilation cycle, and correlations to the
patient’s health status.
5. Describe a normal cardiac cycle, delineation of normal versus extra heart sounds, and implications
to patients’ health status across the lifespan.
6. Utilize clinical judgment to assess for physiological differences to cardiovascular, pulmonary,
genitourinary, and gastrointestinal systems across the lifespan.
Reading Assignments:
Journals:
Ch 16 Postural Assessment.pdf
Ch 17 Cardiac-related Prodromal Symptoms.pdf
Ch 18 Mixed Arteriovenous Ulcers.pdf
Lecture PPTs:
Chapter16.pptx
Chapter17.pptx
Chapter18.pptx
Learning Activities:
Midterm Examination:
Take Midterm Exam
Topic:
Genitourinary Assessment
Gastrointestinal Assessment
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this session, the student will be able to:
1. Verbalize techniques and systematic process utilized to perform a comprehensive assessment of the
genitourinary and gastrointestinal systems.
2. Identify alterations in the structure and/or function of the genitourinary and gastrointestinal
systems.
3. Verbalize assessed alterations in fecal and urinary contents, characteristics, and elimination to
abnormalities in gastrointestinal and genitourinary structure and function.
4. Utilize clinical judgment to assess for physiological differences to genitourinary and
gastrointestinal systems across the lifespan.
Reading Assignments:
Journals:
Ch 20 Abdominal Assessment.pdf
Ch 23 Colorectal CA Screening.pdf
Ch 24 Clinician’s Touch during Intimate Care and Procedures.pdf
Lecture PPTs:
Chapter20.pptx
Chapter23.pptx
Chapter24.pptx
Learning Activities:
Topic:
Musculoskeletal Assessment
Infant Assessment
Child Assessment
Adolescent Assessment
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this session, the student will be able to:
1. Utilize clinical judgment to assess for physiological changes to the musculoskeletal system across
the lifespan.
2. Verbalize techniques and systematic process utilized to perform a comprehensive assessment of the
musculoskeletal system.
3. Identify alterations in the structure and/or function of the musculoskeletal system.
4. Verbalize implications of abnormal musculoskeletal assessment data to patient’s mobility
capabilities and capacity to carryout activities of daily living,
5. Describe guidelines to adapt the physical examination to techniques that accommodate individual
patients and their needs.
Reading Assignments:
Lecture PPTs:
Chapter21.pptx
Chapter26.pptx
Chapter27.pptx
Learning Activities:
Topic:
Comprehensive Physical Assessment:
Adult
Pregnancy Assessments
Older Adult
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this session, the student will be able to:
Reading Assignments:
Lecture PPTs:
Chapter25.pptx
Chapter28.pptx
Chapter30.pptx
Learning Activities:
Group Assessment:
Final Examination:
Presentation keeps audience’s Audiovisuals are clear, Audiovisuals have Audiovisuals have
attention and participation. relevant meet criteria minimal issues (< many issues (.>2 issues)
and APA 6th edition 2) with clarity and with clarity and
formatting guidelines relevance, and or relevance, and or APA.
APA.
TIME & CREATIVITY Presentation time met Presentation time Presentation time
the criteria. exceeded the exceeded the criteria
Total Presentation time (15
criteria >5 but <10 >10 minutes.
minutes)
The evidence contains minutes.
At least 10 minutes for the creative details and/or There is little evidence
presentation & the rest can descriptions that The evidence of creativity in the
dedicated to audience contribute to the contains creative presentation.
participation/Questions & audience’s enjoyment details and/or
Answers and or participation. descriptions, but
they distract from
Presentation kept audience’s
the presentation.
attention and participation.
Total Score: Maximum score 15