Multigenerational Family Health Histories 4
that are reported by the victim, while the later describes assessment factors that are observable
and measurable.
A comprehensive health assessment that includes information on the environment and
genomic influences begins with getting health history and physical examination and is usually
done in an acute care setting upon the admission of the client. However, a complete health
history is not often reflected when the customer has been under care for a long time. In some
cases, the assessment follows an advanced multi-disciplinary process that recognizes the
importance of knowing whether there are underlying physical and cognitive issues involved.
There are fundamental elements in the assessment such as memory and cognitive assessment, in-
depth psychological testing and detailed clinical interviews with a team of multi-professionals
ranging from psychologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, and physicians.
Whether it’s a comprehensive health assessment, interval or problem focused assessment;
there are four basic techniques that are used during the physical examination: inspection,
percussion, auscultation and palpation. These methods are employed in an organized way from
the least disturbing to the most disturbing health issue. During the inspection, the nurses look for
conditions they can observe such as skin color, the presence of rashes, the location of lesions,
symmetry, sounds, odors and abnormally body characteristics. Inspection is the most frequently
used technique that leads to further examination of findings. Auscultation is done after inspection
mainly with the abdominal assessment. The nurse listens to sound in the abdomen before
jumping to percussion to avoid producing false bowel sounds. When auscultating, it advised to
make sure the room is quite, and the process is not done over a patient's clothing as it can result
in the production of diminishing correct sounds. Palpation technique requires the nurse to touch
