DONA REMEDIOS TRINIDAD-ROMUALDEZ MEDICAL FOUNDATION, INC.

Brgy.96, Calanipawan Road, Tacloban City, 6500

2nd Sem 2019 – 2020

ASSIGNMENT

IN

HEALTH
ASSESSMENT
Submitted to:

Mr. Andre de Veyra, MAN, RN

Assistant Dean, College of Nursing
RTR-MF

Submitted by:
 Khrizsha Van Marie V. Garcia
BSN 1 - B

POSITIONING THE CLIENT

Sitting Position

The client should sit upright on the side of the

examination table. In the home or office setting, the client
can sit on the edge of a chair or bed. This position is good
for evaluating the head, neck, lungs, chest, back, breasts,
axillae, heart, vital signs, and upper extremities. This
position is useful because it permits full expansion of the
lungs and it allows the examiner to assess symmetry of
upper body parts.

Supine Position

Asking the client to lie down with the legs

together on the examination table. A small
pillow may be placed under the head to promote
comfort. If the client has trouble breathing, the
head of the bed may need to be raised. This
position allows the abdominal muscles to relax
and provides easy access to peripheral pulse
sites.

Dorsal Recumbent Position

The client lies down on the table or bed with the

knees bent, the legs separated, and the feet flat on
the table or the bed. This position may be more
comfortable than the supine position for clients with
pain in the back or abdomen. The abdomen should not be assessed because the abdominal
muscles are contracted in this position.

Sims’ Position

The client lies on the right or left side

with the lower arm placed behind the body
and the upper arm flexed at the shoulder and
the elbow. The lower leg is slightly flexed at
the knee while the upper leg is flexed at a
sharper angle and pulled forward. This
position is useful for assessing the rectal and
vaginal areas. Clients with joint problems
and elderly clients may have some difficulty
assuming and maintaining this position.

Standing Position

The client stands still in a normal, comfortable,

resting posture. This position allows the examiner to
assess posture, balance, and gait. This position is also
used for examining the male genitalia.

Prone Position

The client lies down on the abdomen

with the head to the side. The prone positon
is used primarily to assess the hip joint. The
back can also be assessed with the client in
this position. Clients with cardiac and
respiratory problems cannot tolerate this
position.
 Knee-chest Position

The client kneels on the examination

table with the weight of the body
supported by the chest and knees. A 90-
degree angle should exist between the
body and the hips. The arms are placed
above the head, with the head turned to
one side. A small pillow may be used to
provide comfort. The knee-chest position
is useful for examining the rectum.
Elderly clients and clients with respiratory and cardiac problems may be unable to tolerate
this position.

Lithotomy Position

The client lies on the back with

the hips at the edge of the
examination table and the feet
supported by stirrups. The lithotomy
position is used to examine the
female genitalia, reproductive tracts,
and the rectum.

EQUIPMENTS USED FOR HEALTH ASSESSMENT

Penlight – To assist viewing of the pharynx or to

determine the reactions of the pupils of the eye.

Ophthalmoscope – A lighted instrument to

visualize the interior of the eye.
 Otoscope – A lighted instrument to visualize
the eardrum and external auditory canal (a nasal
speculum may be attached to the otoscope to
inspect the nasal cavities).

Percussion (reflex) Hammer – An

instrument with a rubber head to test reflexes.

Tuning Fork – A two-prolonged metal

instrument used to test hearing acuity and vibratory
sense.

Cotton Applicators – To obtain

specimens.
Gloves – To protect the nurse.

Tongue Blades (depressor) – To depress the

tongue during assessment of the mouth and
pharynx.