title: Performing a comprehensive physiological assessment.
abstract: Previous studies have identified that practitioners lacked the skills and knowledge required to perform a comprehensive physiological assessment, to the detriment of patients (Alcock et al, 2002; McQuillan et al, 1998). This article suggests two methods for a comprehensive approach to observations, describes best practice techniques to improve reliability and consistency, and explains why these observations are so important for monitoring patients in an acute setting.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Trim
mesh_terms: D001775:Blood Circulation; D001831:Body Temperature; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D012119:Respiration; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance