Book Review: Health Assessment for Nursing Practice, 7th Edition

In the field of nursing, a comprehensive and accurate health assessment is crucial for providing quality patient care. Whether you are a nursing student or a practicing nurse looking to enhance your assessment skills, Health Assessment for Nursing Practice, 7th Edition is the ultimate resource for you. Written by renowned nursing educators Susan Fickertt Wilson and Jean Foret Giddens, this book offers clear guidelines and step-by-step instructions for conducting a thorough physical examination.

The 7th edition of Health Assessment for Nursing Practice has been updated to provide the most relevant and up-to-date information. One notable feature of this edition is the increased emphasis on normal findings, allowing readers to develop a stronger foundation in assessing health and distinguishing between normal and abnormal findings. The book also includes new LGBTQ+ Considerations boxes, providing essential insights into the unique assessment considerations for LGBTQ+ clients.

One of the key highlights of this edition is the integration of Next Generation NCLEX® (NGN) Exam-style case studies. These case studies not only help students prepare for the NGN examination but also enhance their critical thinking and clinical judgment skills. By applying their knowledge to realistic patient scenarios, students can gain confidence in making clinical decisions and understand the implications of their assessments.

The content of Health Assessment for Nursing Practice is presented in a straightforward and easy-to-understand manner, making it accessible to students at various levels of education. The book utilizes a two-column format that links assessment techniques with both normal and abnormal findings, facilitating a better understanding of the assessment process. Additionally, full-color photos and illustrations are included to visually demonstrate key assessment techniques, further enhancing the learning experience.

The authors have incorporated various learning aids to assist students in mastering health assessment skills. Concept Overview boxes summarize core concepts in the context of health assessment, helping students grasp the fundamental principles. Clinical Reasoning boxes provide valuable insights by explaining the thought process of experienced nurses when making clinical decisions. These features not only enhance the learning experience but also promote critical thinking and clinical reasoning abilities.

Health Assessment for Nursing Practice, 7th Edition also includes specific sections dedicated to patients with situational variations. These sections address the unique needs and circumstances of patients who may have hearing impairments, use wheelchairs, or have other limitations. By highlighting these considerations, the book ensures that nurses are prepared to provide comprehensive care to all patients, regardless of their individual circumstances.

Another valuable aspect of this book is the focus on documentation. The authors provide guidance on how to document expected findings accurately, including documentation in the electronic health record (EHR). This not only enhances the reader’s assessment skills but also emphasizes the importance of thorough and accurate documentation in modern healthcare practice.

Each chapter of Health Assessment for Nursing Practice concludes with case studies that test the reader’s knowledge and clinical judgment. These case studies provide subjective and objective data about a patient, challenging students to apply their assessment skills and make informed decisions. This interactive approach ensures that students are actively engaged in learning and reinforces their understanding of health assessment concepts.

Additional Features:

The book includes a dedicated unit on Health Assessment Across the Life Span, comprising four chapters that cover the examination of patients of different ages. From older adults to pregnant patients, infants, children, and adolescents, this unit equips nurses with the skills and knowledge needed to assess individuals at various stages of life.

The Synthesis and Application of Health Assessment unit provides guidelines for combining body system assessments into a comprehensive examination. It also offers direction on communicating assessment findings to other healthcare professionals and adapting the assessment to patients in a hospital setting. This unit is particularly valuable for students transitioning from classroom learning to clinical practice.

Conclusion:

Health Assessment for Nursing Practice, 7th Edition is an essential resource for nursing students and practicing nurses alike. With its comprehensive coverage, clear explanations, and practical illustrations, this book is designed to enhance your health assessment skills and prepare you for the Next Generation NCLEX® Examination. Whether you are a novice or an experienced nurse, this book will be an invaluable asset in your professional journey. Order your copy today and discover the difference it can make in your practice.

Product Details:

• Publisher: Elsevier; 7th edition (March 11, 2021)
• Language: English
• Format: eBook Digital
• Pages: 560
• ISBN-10: 032366119X
• ISBN-13: 978-0323661195