Course Description
Comprehensive health assessment for advanced practice nursing. This course develops advanced skills in history-taking, physical examination, and clinical reasoning. Students master systematic assessment techniques, differential diagnosis, and documentation. Laboratory practice includes simulation and standardized patient encounters.
Credit Hours
4 credits (2 lecture, 2 lab)
Prerequisites
MSN 501, MSN 502 (may be concurrent)
Student Learning Outcomes (AACN Masters Essentials)
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Essential IX - Masters-Level Nursing Practice: Perform comprehensive health assessments across the lifespan
- Conduct comprehensive health histories using advanced interviewing techniques
- Perform systematic physical examinations of all body systems
- Apply clinical reasoning to develop differential diagnoses
- Order and interpret diagnostic studies
- Document assessment findings using professional standards
- Adapt assessment techniques for diverse populations
Course Topics
- Advanced Health History and Interviewing
- Clinical Reasoning and Differential Diagnosis
- Comprehensive Physical Examination
- HEENT Assessment
- Cardiovascular Assessment
- Respiratory Assessment
- Abdominal Assessment
- Neurological Assessment
- Musculoskeletal Assessment
- Psychiatric and Mental Status Examination
- Pediatric and Geriatric Assessment
Required Textbooks
- Bickley: Bates Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking (13th ed.)
- Dains: Advanced Health Assessment (4th ed.)
Evaluation Methods
Written Exams (40%), OSCE Examinations (35%), Clinical Documentation (15%), Simulation (10%)