University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

Physical assessment skills are increasingly being seen as the mainstay of the nursing process. This module aims to provide students with the core knowledge and physical assessment skills that will be of most benefit to nurses in their daily practice. This module will include clinical laboratory experience and simulations whereby students will have an opportunity to build on their existing knowledge and develop skills pertinent to physical assessment. Case presentation, the ability to prioritise patient’s problems, and plan intervention(s) will be a focus of this module.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate the ability to conduct a systematic holistic assessment of patient needs using a range of data collecting techniques including observation, interview, nursing history, and physical examination
  2. Demonstrate clinical competence in specified core physical assessment skills related to the following systems (Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary)
  3. Identify normal versus abnormal findings and be able to indemnify the appropriate actions in the management when abnormal findings identified
  4. Critically analyse patient data (Health history and findings from physical examination), Identify a list of the differential diagnosis from the data, prioritise patient problems and suitable management
  5. Explicate nursing interventions that meet the individual patient’s needs
  6. Integrate appropriate consultation skills with the patient and the multidisciplinary team for effective case management
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking" by Lynn S. Bickley,Peter G. Szilagyi
    ISBN: 1496350294.
    Publisher: LWW
  2. "Physical Examination and Health Assessment" by Carolyn Jarvis
    ISBN: 9780323510806.
    Publisher: Saunders
The above information outlines module NU607: "Essential Physical Assessment Skills" and is valid from 2023 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.