Physical Assessment for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals

Carol Lynn Cox is Professor Emeritus, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, UK, and Clinic Manager and Director of Nursing, Health and Hope Clinics, Pensacola, Florida, USA.

• List of Contributors xviiForeword xixPreface xxiAcknowledgements xxiiiIntroduction: The First Approach xxvChapter 1 Interviewing and History Taking 1Carol Lynn CoxChapter 2 General Health Assessment 15Carol Lynn CoxChapter 3 Examination of the Skin, Hair, and Nails 37Siobhan HicksChapter 4 Examination of the Cardiovascular System 67Carol Lynn Cox and Carrie E. BoydChapter 5 Examination of the Respiratory System 103Carol Lynn Cox and Jessica HamChapter 6 Examination of the Abdominal System 123Anthony McGrathChapter 7 Examination of the Male Genitalia 149Michael Babcock, Carol Lynn Cox, and Anthony McGrathChapter 8 Examination of the Female Breast 159Victoria LackChapter 9 Examination of the Female Reproductive System 167Victoria LackChapter 10 Examination of the Nervous System 185Michael Babcock and Graham M. BoswellChapter 11 Examination of the Eye 241Helen GibbonsChapter 12 Mental Health Assessment 267Patrick CallaghanChapter 13 Examination of the Musculoskeletal System 287Daniel Apau, Michael Babcock, and Nicola L. WhiteingChapter 14 Assessment of the Child 333Carol Lynn CoxChapter 15 Assessment of Disability Including Care of the Older Adult 375Carol Lynn Cox and Brandy LunsfordChapter 16 Imaging Techniques, Clinical Investigations, and Interpretation 383Jennifer EdieChapter 17 Basic Examination, Notes, and Diagnostic Principles 415Carol Lynn Cox and Brandy LunsfordChapter 18 Presenting Cases and Communication 425Carol Lynn Cox and Brandy LunsfordAppendices 433Index 441

In order for nurses and related healthcare professionals to be able to provide a high level of holistic care to their patients based on clinical reasoning, it is essential that they possess effective physical assessment skills which will assist them in gathering the cues which will ultimately direct them towards compiling differential diagnoses.  With regards to appropriate publications focusing on this aspect of assessment, there is a wide range to choose from, which vary in size, complexity and cost, all of which can be off-putting to the potential reader.  Wiley Blackwell appears to have addressed these three issues within their new physical assessment publication, edited by Professor Carol Cox from the University of London.  Those individuals seeking a very readable but concise resource (440 pages) will find that this book will meet their needs and will be impressed by a large number of quality illustrations/photographs and clearly laid out blocks of text.The content is divided up into 18 chapters ranging from interviewing and history taking through to imaging techniques, clinical investigations and interpretation and each of the different authors brings with them a wealth of experience and qualifications from their own clinical speciality. Each chapter provides the reader with clear and concise information interspersed with appropriate tables and diagrams which contribute towards enhancing the overall learning experience.  Despite the high level of general readability, all of the content is very well supported by an appropriate level of quality references supporting evidence-based practice. With regards to consolidating the learning that has occurred during the reading of the chapter, the reader has the opportunity to review a relevant short case study which greatly encourages the nurse to reflect on their self-learning and to identify aspects of the topic that they may wish to further develop.Physical assessment is a vital component of patient care and is firmly ingrained within both undergraduate and post-graduate nurse/healthcare education and it is essential that professionals can source an affordable but comprehensive resource. With this book retailing for approximately $75 (NZ), it makes it very attractive for those on a limited budget.  This book has a good appealing nature to it and will be a  welcome addition to the range of physical assessment resources, regardless of a student's academic ability.Michael.J.McGivernNursing tutor (New Zealand)