NURS 340: Health Assessment Throughout The Lifespan
Prerequisites: Upper Division standing
Credit Hours: (3) Two hours lecture; two hours laboratory
Course Description:
Focuses on the use of health assessment skills required to perform a systematic health assessment.
Detailed Description of Content of the Course
The objectives and content of this Level 1 Course are derived from the School of Nursing’s
philosophy, conceptual framework and the Board of Nursing Baccalaureate Essentials,
and facilitate achievement of the School’s program objectives. Ethical, vocational,
and legal aspects of nursing are incorporated into course content, including patient
rights and professional responsibility, assessment and interventions to prevent abuse,
neglect, and abandonment, history and trends in nursing and health care, and regulations
and sections of the Code of Virginia related to nursing. Additionally, the major
topics and skills covered in this course are common to major leadership and professional
development nursing textbooks, and represent areas covered on standardized achievement
examinations and the NCLEX-RN Test Plan. Current research and advancement in theory
and clinical practice also determine content.
Topical Outline:
• National Health Priorities
• Holistic Health Assessment
• Growth Measurement and Recording Information
• Nutritional Assessment
• Examination Techniques and Equipment
• Assessment and Recording of Vital Signs
• Skin, Hair and Nails
• Eyes, Ears
• Nose, Throat and Pharynx
• Lymphatic System and Peripheral Vasculature
• Lungs and Thorax
• Heart and Neck Vessels
• Abdomen/ Pregnant Female/Domestic Violence Assessment
• Breast and Axillae
• Musculoskeletal Assessment
• Neurological Assessment and Mental Status
• Female and Male Genitalia
• Anus and Rectum
• Functional Assessment
• Putting it all together-Integrated Physical Exam
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The following teaching strategies will be employed:
• Lectures, discussion, multimedia, case studies, and lab experiences.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Assessment Measures
May include:
• Exams; Quizzes
• Paper
• Project, Individual or Group
• Care Plan
• Oral Presentations
• Class Participation
• Laboratory Activities
Review and Approval
April 2006 Undergraduate Curriculum Marcella Griggs, Director
February 2011, Kim Carter, Director
February 2021, Iris Mullins, Chair