A comprehensive assessment is the cornerstone of nursing practice. As nurses, we

A comprehensive assessment is the cornerstone of nursing practice. As nurses, we must incorporate a variety of assessments into a patient’s care. While inspection, auscultation, percussion and palpation are critical components of that, we often need additional data as well. Because of this, many evidence-based tools have been developed to assist the nurse in obtaining needed assessment data. The results from these tools can be used to guide our care.
What constitutes an assessment tool? For our purposes, it will be considered an evidence-based assessment method that the nurse or patient completes on a given topic/area. An example might be the Brief Fatigue Inventory (Links to an external site.) Download Brief Fatigue Inventory (Links to an external site.)where the patient indicates their level of fatigue and its effect on their daily life using a Likert scale. Another example would be the Braden Scale (Links to an external site.) for the prediction of pressure sore risk. These tools provide very targeted information and are not general assessment strategies such as palpation of the abdomen, inspection of the eyes, etc. Relevant tools can be located through an internet search of “assessment tools” related to a specific area (i.e. cognitive assessment tools).
For our assignment this week, we will be wrapping up our work with Mrs. Nguyen by writing a scholarly paper. The goal of this paper is to identify assessment tools to obtain needed information and to apply that information to our case study patient. Please address the following in your paper:
Introduction: Provide a brief synopsis of the case study.
Select two areas (i.e., culture, family, senses, cognition, functional ability, nutrition, mobility, pain, sleep, decision-making, psychological, or social) for Mrs. Nguyen that you feel are important to obtain more information about. NOTE: do not combine areas – just select two! Provide a strong rationale why you feel that these are critical areas for this patient.
Describe 2 assessment tools that could be used in your assessment of Mrs. Nguyen for each of the selected areas. Remember to focus on assessment tools rather than assessments in general. In addition, be sure that the chosen tools clearly reflect the areas that you selected. In your description, address factors such as: What does the tool measure? How is it administered? Who administers it? Is any special training required to administer the tool? How is it scored? What does the score mean? What reliability and validity data has been collected on the tool?
Identify which tool is most appropriate for Mrs. Nguyen in each of the chosen assessment areas. Why is this the most appropriate one?
Conclusion: Briefly summarize the paper contents
You should expect that it will take 4-6 pages (excluding the title page and references) to thoroughly address the requested information. NOTE: only the first 6 pages may be subject to grading if your paper extends past the identified page limits.
Use APA format for the document (i.e. title page, double spaced etc.) and citations/references. Follow the specific guidelines for a student paper. NOTE: an abstract and author note are not needed. Incorporate headings to provide a strong organizational structure for your reader – see section 2.27 starting on page 47 of the APA Manual for guidance on how to format them.
Rubric
Lesson 3 Assessment Plan Rubric (1)
Lesson 3 Assessment Plan Rubric (1)
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction: Provide a brief synopsis of the case study.
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSelect two areas (i.e., culture, family, senses, cognition, functional ability, nutrition, mobility, pain, sleep, decision-making, psychological, or social) for Mrs. Nguyen that you feel are important to obtain more information about. NOTE: do not combine areas – just select two! Provide a strong rationale why you feel that these are critical areas for this patient.
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDescribe 2 assessment tools that could be used in your assessment of Mrs. Nguyen for each of the selected areas. Remember to focus on assessment tools rather than assessments in general. Be sure that the chosen tools clearly reflect the areas that you selected. In your description, address factors such as: What does the tool measure? How is it administered? Who administers it? Is any special training required to administer the tool? How is it scored? What does the score mean? What reliability and validity data has been collected on the tool?
40 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIdentify which tool is most appropriate for Mrs. Nguyen in each of the chosen assessment areas. Why is this the most appropriate one?
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeConclusion: Briefly summarize the paper contents
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMechanics (organizational structure; sentence structure is clear; grammar, punctuation and spelling are correct; proofreading is evident etc.)
5 pts
Total Points: 100