Description of the Systematic Approach
A systematic approach is the evaluation of each body system, starting from head to toe. It considers every system function of the human body. Through the evaluation of all systems, one is able to gather insights on how the body functions as a whole. Abnormalities can also be spotted, and this helps in designing patient care. The collection of patient information must be done in an orderly manner. Disorganization can interfere with the accuracy of the information collected. Inspection, palpitation, percussion, and auscultation are important steps during the physical examination of patients. Inspection entails visual scrutiny of a patient as a whole and everybody system on its own (Jarvis, 2019). It begins when a nursing practitioner meets a patient. Palpation is used to confirm what was observed during the inspection. It applies to health practitioners’ sense of touch. Percussion involves touching a patient’s skin to analyze underlying structures. Auscultation involves listening to sounds produced by the body (Jarvis, 2019).
Importance of a Systematic Approach
Through a systematic approach, crucial data is gathered. Through systematically analyzing body systems, a healthcare professional is able to obtain baseline information that is used in treating the patient (Zambas, Smythe, & Koziol-Mclain, 2016). It helps in the detection of problems at an early stage, and this fosters the attainment of positive healthcare outcomes. A systematic approach is the cornerstone of achieving patient safety in health care facilities. It helps prepare nurses for complex presentations. It contributes to appropriate diagnosis as well as medical management of complex situations.
Situations that May Require Adapting the Systematic Approach
The needs of the patient dictate the procedure applied by health care professionals. The symptoms that patients present may dictate the first procedure that nurses will undertake. If a patient is seriously ill, the process could change (Zambas, Smythe, & Koziol-Mclain, 2016). A patient who complains of stomach pains and is in serious distress makes it necessary for the health care professional to listen to sounds produced by the body before tapping on the patient’s skin to determine underlying structures. Abdominal exams are performed differently. Auscultation is performed before palpation. The act of palpation could result in changes in the sounds that the body produces. The implication is that the wrong data could be collected if palpation begins and is then followed by auscultation.
References
Jarvis, C. (2019). Physical Examination and Health Assessment. [Purdue University Global Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://purdueuniversityglobal.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780323510806/Zambas, S. I., Smythe, E. A., & Koziol-Mclain, J. (2016). The consequences of using advanced physical assessment skills in medical and surgical nursing: A hermeneutic pragmatic study. International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being, 11(1), 32090.
