Revised Spring 2014
Alabama
Department of
Postsecondary Education
Representing Alabama’s Public Two-Year College System
NORTHEAST ALABAMA
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
I. NUR 103:
Theory
Lab
Clinical
Total
Health Assessment
0 credit hour
1 credit hour
0 credit hour
1 credit hour
II. CLASS MEETING DATES/TIMES/LOCATION
Distance Learning - TBA
III. CLINICAL DATES/TIMES/LOCATION
No clinical component.
IV. INSTRUCTOR, CONTACT INFORMATION, CONTACT POLICY,
OFFICE HOURS/LOCATION
Ms. Donna Bruce – Course Coordinator
Health Education Building, Office 229
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Health Assessment
NUR 103
V. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to learn and practice
history taking and physical examination skills with individuals of all ages, with
emphasis on the adult. The focus is on symptom analysis along with physical,
psychosocial, and growth and development assessments. Students will be able to
utilize critical thinking skills in identifying health alterations, formulating nursing
diagnoses and documenting findings appropriate to nursing. This course supports
CIP codes 51.1601 and 51.1613.
VI. PREREQUISITE(S)/CO-REQUISITE(S)
CO-REQUISITE COURSES
NUR 102 – Fundamentals of Nursing
NUR 104 – Introduction to Pharmacology
BIO 201 – Anatomy and Physiology I
MTH 116 – Mathematical Applications (PN Program)
MTH 100 – Intermediate College Algebra (RN Program)
VII. TEXTBOOK(S) AND OTHER LEARNING RESOURCES
See Reading Assignment
VIII. COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. Explain the characteristics of growth and development of individuals
throughout the lifespan.
2. Demonstrate a systematic (head to toe) physical assessment on an adult client.
3. Document findings of a health history and physical assessment.
4. Use the nursing process to identify health alterations.
IX. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES
 Explain the characteristics of growth and development of individuals throughout the



lifespan.
Obtain a health history to gather subjective data.
Perform a systematic (head to toe) physical assessment to gather objective
data.
Document assessments.
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Health Assessment
NUR 103
MODULE A – GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT THROUGHOUT THE
LIFESPAN
A1.0 Explain the characteristics of growth and development of individuals
throughout the lifespan.
A1.1
This module is evaluated cognitively.
A1.1.1
A1.1.2
A1.1.3
Define key terms associated with growth and
development.
Describe common development theories associated with
growth and development.
Describe normal growth and development characteristics
throughout the lifespan.
MODULE B – HEALTH HISTORY
B1.0 Obtain a health history to gather subjective data.
B1.1
Obtain comprehensive health history using interview
techniques.
B1.1.1
B1.1.2
B1.1.3
B1.1.4
B2.0
Identify factors influencing the interview process.
Identify stages of the interview process.
Identify interview techniques.
Identify elements of a comprehensive health
history.
Document assessment.
B2.1
Given information relative to a client’s health history,
document the health history.
B2.1.1
B2.1.2
B2.1.3
Explain the importance of documenting and reporting
health history.
Identify required elements of documenting health
history.
Explain the process of documenting health history.
MODULE C – GENERAL SURVEY
C1.0 Perform a systematic (head to toe) physical assessment to gather objective
data.
C1.1
Conduct a general survey.
C1.1.1
C1.1.2
C1.1.3
C1.1.4
C1.2
Define components of the general survey.
Explain the process of conducting a general survey.
Explain the process of conducting a Mini Mental Status
Exam.
Recognize normal findings.
Use physical assessment techniques.
C1.2.1
C1.2.2
Identify physical assessment techniques.
Explain procedures for physical assessment techniques.
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Health Assessment
C2.0
NUR 103
Document results of health assessment.
C2.1
Given information relative to a client’s physical assessment,
document and report physical assessment.
MODULE D – PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF HEENT
D1.0 Perform a systematic (head to toe) physical assessment to gather objective
data.
D1.1
Perform a physical assessment of the head, eyes, ears, nose
and throat.
D1.1.1
D1.1.2
D1.1.3
D1.1.4
D1.1.5
D1.1.6
D1.1.7
D2.0
Define terminology related to assessment of head, eyes,
ears, nose, and throat (HEENT).
Describe anatomy and physiology of head and neck.
Identify equipment.
Identify positioning.
Identify techniques.
Explain the process of performing a head/neck physical
assessment.
Recognize normal findings.
Document results of health assessment.
D2.1
Given information relative to a physical assessment,
document and report findings.
MODULE E – PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF INTEGUMENTARY
SYSTEM
E1.0 Perform a systematic (head to toe) physical assessment to gather objective
data.
E1.1
Perform a physical assessment of the integumentary
system.
E1.1.1
E1.1.2
E1.1.3
E1.1.4
E1.1.5
E1.1.6
E1.1.7
E2.0
Define terminology related to assessment of the
integumentary system.
Describe anatomy and physiology of integumentary
system.
Identify equipment.
Identify positioning.
Identify techniques.
Explain the process of performing an assessment of the
integumentary system.
Recognize normal assessment findings.
Document results of health assessment.
E2.1
Document and report assessment of the integumentary
system.
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Health Assessment
NUR 103
MODULE F – PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE RESPIRATORY
SYSTEM
F1.0 Perform a systematic (head to toe) physical assessment to gather objective
data.
F1.1
Perform a physical assessment of the respiratory system.
F1.1.1
F1.1.2
F1.1.3
F1.1.4
F1.1.5
F1.1.6
F1.1.7
F2.0
Define terminology related to assessment of the
respiratory system.
Describe anatomy and physiology of the respiratory
system.
Identify equipment.
Identify positioning.
Identify techniques.
Explain the process of performing an assessment of the
respiratory system.
Recognize normal assessment findings.
Document results of health assessment.
F2.1
Document and report assessment of the respiratory system.
MODULE G – PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF CIRCULATORY/
LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
G1.0 Perform a systematic (head to toe) physical assessment to gather objective
data.
G1.1
Perform a physical assessment of the circulatory/lymphatic
system.
G1.1.1
G1.1.2
G1.1.3
G1.1.4
G1.1.5
G1.1.6
G1.1.7
G2.0
Define terminology related to assessment of the
circulatory/lymphatic system.
Describe anatomy and physiology of the
circulatory/lymphatic system.
Identify equipment.
Identify positioning.
Identify techniques.
Explain the process of performing an assessment of the
circulatory/lymphatic system.
Recognize normal assessment findings.
Document results of health assessment.
G2.1
Document and report assessment of the
circulatory/lymphatic system.
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Health Assessment
NUR 103
MODULE H – PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE BREAST AND
AXILLAE
H1.0 Perform a systematic (head to toe) physical assessment to gather objective
data.
H1.1
Using clinical simulations or models, perform a physical
assessment of the breast and axillae.
H1.1.1
H1.1.2
H1.1.3
H1.1.4
H1.1.5
H1.1.6
H1.1.7
H1.2
Teach the technique of breast self-examination for males
and females.
H1.2.1
H2.0
Define terminology related to assessment of the
breast and axillae.
Describe anatomy and physiology of the breast and
axillae.
Identify equipment.
Identify positioning.
Identify techniques.
Explain the process of performing an assessment of the
breast and axillae.
Recognize normal assessment findings.
Explain the steps for performing the breast selfexamination for males and females.
Document results of health assessment.
H2.1
Document and report assessment of the breast and axillae.
MODULE I – PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE ABDOMEN
I1.0 Perform a systematic (head to toe) physical assessment to gather objective
data.
I1.1
Perform a physical assessment of the abdomen.
I1.1.1
I1.1.2
I1.1.3
I1.1.4
I1.1.5
I1.1.6
I1.1.7
I2.0
Define terminology related to assessment of the
abdomen.
Describe anatomy and physiology of the abdomen.
Identify equipment.
Identify positioning.
Identify techniques.
Explain the process of performing an assessment of the
abdomen.
Recognize normal assessment findings.
Document results of health assessment.
I2.1
Document and report assessment of the abdomen.
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Health Assessment
NUR 103
MODULE J – PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE REPRODUCTIVE
SYSTEM
J1.0 Perform a systematic (head to toe) physical assessment to gather objective
data.
J1.1
Using clinical simulations or models, assist with performing
a physical assessment of the male and female reproductive
systems.
J1.1.1
J1.1.2
J1.1.3
J1.1.4
J1.1.5
J1.1.6
J1.1.7
J1.1.8
J1.2
Teach the technique of testicular self-examination for
males.
J1.2.1
J2.0
Define terminology related to assessment of the male
and female reproductive systems.
Describe anatomy and physiology of the male and
female reproductive systems.
Identify equipment.
Identify positioning.
Identify techniques.
Explain the process of assisting with assessment of the
male and female reproductive systems.
Recognize normal assessment findings.
Explain the examination of the rectum, perineum, and
prostate.
Explain the testicular self-examination.
Document results of health assessment.
J2.1
Document and report assessment of the male and female
reproductive system.
MODULE K – PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
K1.0 Perform a systematic (head to toe) physical assessment to gather objective
data.
K1.1
Perform a physical assessment of the musculoskeletal
system.
K1.1.1
K1.1.2
K1.1.3
K1.1.4
K1.1.5
K1.1.6
K1.1.7
Define terminology related to assessment of the
musculoskeletal system.
Describe anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal
system.
Identify equipment.
Identify positioning.
Identify techniques.
Explain the process of performing an assessment of the
musculoskeletal system.
Identify normal assessment findings.
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Health Assessment
K2.0
NUR 103
Document results of health assessment.
K2.1
Document and report assessment of the musculoskeletal
system.
MODULE L – PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE NEUROLOGICAL
SYSTEM
L1.0 Perform a systematic (head to toe) physical assessment to gather objective
data.
L1.1
Perform a physical assessment of the neurological system.
L1.1.1
L1.1.2
L1.1.3
L1.1.4
L1.1.5
L1.1.6
L1.1.7
L2.0
Define terminology related to assessment of the
neurological system.
Describe anatomy and physiology of the neurological
system.
Identify equipment.
Identify positioning.
Identify techniques.
Explain the process of performing an assessment of the
neurological system.
Identify normal assessment findings.
Document results of health assessment.
L2.1
Document and report assessment of the neurological
system.
X. OUTLINE OF MODULES
MODULE A – GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT THROUGHOUT THE
LIFE SPAN
 Pediatric
 Adult
 Geriatric
MODULE B – HEALTH HISTORY
 Obtaining a health history
○ Interview techniques
○ Comprehensive health history
– Biographic data
– Chief complaint
– History of present illness (symptom analysis)
– Past medical history
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Health Assessment


NUR 103
– Alternative therapies
– Cultural influences
Normal assessment findings
Documenting and reporting assessment
MODULE C – CLIENT GENERAL SURVEY
 Conducting a client general survey
○ Components
– General appearance
– Gait
– Posture
– Vital signs
– Speech
– Signs of distress
– Body type
– Hygiene
 Height/weight/body mass index
 Ethnicity
 Mental status and level of consciousness
○ Procedure for general survey
○ Mini Mental Status Exam
○ Normal assessment findings
 Documenting and reporting a general survey
 Techniques
○ Inspection
○ Palpation
○ Percussion
○ Auscultation
MODULE D – PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF HEENT
 HEENT assessment
○ Terminology
○ Anatomy and physiology of HEENT
○ Equipment
○ Positioning
○ Techniques
○ Performing an HEENT physical assessment
○ Normal assessment findings
 Documenting and reporting HEENT assessment
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Health Assessment
NUR 103
MODULE E – PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE INTEGUMENTARY
SYSTEM
 Integumentary system physical assessment
○ Terminology
○ Anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system
○ Equipment
○ Positioning
○ Techniques
○ Performing an integumentary system assessment
○ Normal assessment findings
 Documenting and reporting integumentary system assessment
MODULE F –PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE RESPIRATORY
SYSTEM
 Respiratory system physical assessment
○ Terminology
○ Anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system
○ Equipment
○ Positioning
○ Techniques
○ Performing a respiratory system assessment
○ Normal assessment findings
 Documenting and reporting respiratory system assessment
MODULE G – PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE CIRCULATORY/
LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
 Circulatory/lymphatic system physical assessment
○ Terminology
○ Anatomy and physiology of the circulatory/lymphatic system
○ Equipment
○ Positioning
○ Techniques
○ Performing a circulatory/lymphatic system assessment
○ Normal and abnormal assessment findings
 Documenting and reporting circulatory/lymphatic system assessment
MODULE H – PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE BREAST AND
AXILLAE
 Breast and axillae physical assessment
○ Terminology
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Health Assessment

NUR 103
○ Anatomy and physiology of the breast and axillae
○ Equipment
○ Positioning
○ Techniques
○ Teaching and performing a breast and axillae self-examination
○ Normal assessment findings
Documenting and reporting breast and axillae assessment
MODULE I – PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE ABDOMEN
 Abdomen physical assessment
○ Terminology
○ Anatomy and physiology of the abdomen
○ Equipment
○ Positioning
○ Techniques
 Inspection
 Auscultation
 Percussion
 Palpation
○ Performing an abdominal assessment
 Gastrointestinal
 Urinary
○ Normal assessment findings
 Documenting and reporting abdominal assessment
MODULE J – PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE REPRODUCTIVE
SYSTEM
 Reproductive system assessment
○ Terminology
○ Anatomy and physiology of the male and female reproductive systems
○ Equipment
○ Positioning
○ Techniques
○ Performing a male and female reproductive systems assessment
○ Teaching and performing a testicular self-examination
○ Examination of the rectum, perineum, and prostate
○ Normal assessment findings
 Documenting and reporting male and female reproductive systems
assessment
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Health Assessment
NUR 103
MODULE K – PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
 Musculoskeletal system assessment
○ Terminology
○ Anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system
○ Equipment
○ Positioning
○ Techniques
○ Performing a musculoskeletal system assessment
○ Normal assessment findings
 Documenting and reporting musculoskeletal system assessment
MODULE L – PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE NEUROLOGICAL
SYSTEM
 Neurological system assessment
○ Terminology
○ Anatomy and physiology of the neurological system
○ Equipment
○ Positioning
○ Techniques
○ Performing a neurological system assessment
○ Normal assessment findings
 Documenting and reporting neurological system assessment
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Health Assessment
NUR 103
XI. EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT
A. Assignments
This course is presented as a blended course. Students are required to
complete prescribed assignments and take exams through Blackboard according to
the scheduled time frames. Exams will only be accessible during announced dates.
If a student does not take the exam during the announced dates, the student will
earn 0 points for that exam.
B. Course Grade
1. The course grade is a composite grade based on the following:
a. Chapter exams 20% of course grade.
b. Case studies 20% of course grade.
c. Prep U assignments 25% of course grade.
d. Final exam 35% of course grade.
Student must achieve a grade of 75% or above in each course to continue
in the nursing program. A grade below 75% will result in a “D” or an “F”
depending on the numerical score.
2. Course and instructor evaluation by each student is required.
3. In the event of a failing grade, students are urged to see their instructor for
a conference.
XII. ATTENDANCE
Student participation in on-line assignments and activities will be monitored by
the faculty. Students may be required to complete assignments on campus.
Students will video record a complete health assessment on an adult client. The
video will be presented to the clinical instructor for evaluation.
XIII. STATEMENT ON DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT
The College and the Alabama Board of Education are committed to providing
both employment and educational environments free of harassment or
discrimination related to an individual’s race, color, gender, religion, national
origin, age, or disability. Such harassment is a violation of State Board of
Education policy. Any practice or behavior that constitutes harassment is a
violation of State Board of Education policy. Any practice or behavior that
constitutes harassment or discrimination will not be tolerated.
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Health Assessment
NUR 103
XIV. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the American with Disabilities
Act of 1990 state that qualified students with disabilities who meet the essential
functions and academic requirements are entitled to reasonable accommodations.
It is the student’s responsibility to provide appropriate disability documentation to
the College. Please contact the ADA representative.
XV. COURSE CALENDAR
Course Calendar will be provided to student by the first day of class.
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Health Assessment
XVI.
NUR 103
STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM
I have received the Course Syllabus for NUR 103: Health Assessment.
My signature indicates that I have read and understand the contents.
___________________________________
Student’s Signature
____________________________________
Print Name
___________________________________
Date
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Health Assessment
NUR 103
Northeast Alabama Community College
Learning Outcomes Attachment for Career/Technical Courses
Faculty regularly review the extent to which the course and program learning outcomes identified
in a course syllabus are being attained by students who complete the course. Each syllabus
identifies the assessment method that will be used to demonstrate student mastery of the desired
learning outcomes for that course. Before teaching a course, faculty should review the syllabus to
understand how the program learning outcomes will be evaluated. Once the course is complete,
this form is used by the instructor to report how well students demonstrated mastery of those
course learning (and by extension, program learning) outcomes.
Section Number: 4602
Course Number: NUR 103
Learning Outcome
(Industry or Professional Competency)
Course Title: Health Assessment
Evaluation Method
Evaluation Results
Explain how each learning outcome for this
course is assessed.
Of the students who earned a grade
of C or better for the course, what
percentage demonstrated attainment
of the stated outcomes?
Explain the characteristics of
growth and development of
individuals throughout the
lifespan.
Obtain a health history to
gather subjective data.
The student will achieve a
passing score on Test # 1, on
questions related to growth
and development.
Clinical Lab:
The student will
satisfactorily complete the
“Patient Profile Data Base”
on assigned client on a
weekly basis.
Perform a systematic (head to Campus Lab:
toe) physical assessment to
The student will receive a
gather objective data.
satisfactory score on a
physical assessment of lab
partner according to the
“Performance Evaluation
Checklist” (Final Exam).
Document assessments.
Clinical Lab:
The student will
satisfactorily document
assessment findings for
assigned clients according to
policy of clinical agency.
Use of Evaluation Results
Explain how evaluation results will be used to improve the course.
Submitted by: Donna Bruce
Date: _____________________
Instructor Signature ___________________________________
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