Reflection: My Head-To-Toe Assessment

This week I have two different types of patients. My first patient was admitted to hospital due to nontraumatic acute kidney failure, hydronephrosis, and hyperkalemia; and my second patient was hospitalized for her postoperative care of osteoarthritis of the left knee. Every time when it comes to clinical day, I always feel excite and nervous at the same time. I feel excite because it is an opportunity for me to apply my learned skills into a real setting and the chance of acquire new knowledge and skills. I feel nervous because I didn’t know what to expect and whether I can take care of my patient safely and provide them with satisfaction of care basic from my current knowledge and skills level. However, as soon as I started my head-to-toe …show more content…
Besides the regular routine of my assignment of intervention, performed a head to toe assessment and provide personal care to both of my patients; I also performed intervention that is needed according to their situations. Since my first patient was having issue with breathing occasionally and he was on an oxygen mask when I first meet him; I am more focus on making sure that he has a clear air way by instructed him to keep his head in an elevate semi-Fowler’s position; and provided him with the suction aspirator to remove constant coughing mucus residuals. I also making sure his breathing is not affected or deteriorating by monitor his oxygen level, blood pressure and heart rate frequently. My intervention on my second patient was to focus on fall risk prevention since she was having difficulty ambulate due to her pain level and post operation. I assisted her on getting to and back from the restroom by providing her with the walker and holding on to her arm to provided support. Since my second patient complained her pain medication did not help her pain; I went to consulted with my clinical instructor, Elizabeth about what else I can do to help my patient’s pain. I learned from Elizabeth that nurses should look at the patient’s medication history to determine whether the pain medication is appropriate for the patient’s current pain level …show more content…
However, by applying the past experiences I have with the patients, learn from the interactions between the regular nurse and the patients, and my desire to constantly acquire new knowledge and skills to provide the best and effective patient care, I believe I can improve my nursing practice gradually. At this point, I know I can improve my nursing practice by paying special attention to what the patient is expressing, learning how to chart as concisely as I can, and be comfortable with the fact that I have limit nursing knowledge and skills at the moment. I should grab on any opportunity I could for a new skill in the hospital because this is a great way to learn and acquire new skills. When I have a hands on experience, I will have confident to perform the next time when similar situation