Head To Toe Assessment Reflection

Today was my first day on Female Surgical Ward. The day’s objective was to perform head to toe assessment. Firstly, my preceptor introduced herself and then introduced us to the staff, before reviewing the objectives. After this, we were placed in pairs and went by a patient to perform head to toe assessment. I was relaxed and felt at ease because I had performed a head to toe assessment before, on a patient in Female Medical Ward, and in Simulation Labs. Nevertheless, I was still nervous because I was assessing a different patient. Before approaching the patient, I prepared myself and made sure I had all equipment needed to do the assessment. When I approached the patient, I assessed the environment for any hazards, introduced myself, asked her name, and told her what I was going to do. By doing this, I met the patient’s psychological need and assessed her level of consciousness. I asked the patient if she was comfortable. By asking her this, I assessed her physiological need and took into consideration how physically active she was to be assessed, simultaneously, visually observing her entire body for …show more content…
In comparison to doing head to toe assessment previously in female medical ward, I have gained knowledge and confidence. However, I could have made the experience better by utilizing more theories in my experience, which would have certainly enhanced nurse-patient relationship. I was able to utilize all knowledge taught in Simulation Labs, some of which includes; the 4 techniques used in assessment, verbal and non verbal communication and draping. In the future, I should read more about my theories, and look at more videos on head to toe assessment. An external factor which influenced may have influenced my communication was my reaction to the breast examination. At the end of the day, my goal was reached and I was able to collect, analyze and validate outcomes of