Health Assessment Fundamentals for Nurses

Course overview

This self-paced continuing education course strengthens essential bedside assessment skills for nurses using a clear, repeatable head-to-toe approach. Learners review how to perform a safety-first general survey and an ABC-based primary assessment, collect and interpret key assessment data (including vital signs and trends), and complete focused system checks for neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular/perfusion, gastrointestinal/abdominal, and skin/wound findings. Emphasis is placed on recognizing red flags that may indicate patient deterioration, validating abnormal findings through reassessment, and escalating concerns using a structured SBAR communication method. The course is designed to build confidence, consistency, and practical clinical judgment for safe patient care across common nursing settings. LEARNING OUTCOMES After completing this course, the participant will be able to: Perform a safety-first general survey and identify findings that require immediate escalation. Complete an ABC-based primary assessment and prioritize next assessment steps appropriately. Collect and interpret vital signs as part of an assessment database, including trend awareness and baseline comparison. Perform a brief neurological screen (orientation/LOC, pupils, strength/symmetry) and recognize urgent neuro red flags. Conduct a focused respiratory assessment and identify early respiratory deterioration using work-of-breathing and oxygenation cues. Assess cardiovascular status and peripheral perfusion using pulse quality, capillary refill, extremity temperature/color, and edema patterns. Perform a basic abdominal/GI assessment (inspection, auscultation, pain/symptom screen) and recognize findings requiring prompt follow-up. Assess skin integrity and common wound concerns, including infection cues and pressure injury risk indicators. Communicate clinical concerns using SBAR with objective, measurable data and clear recommendations. FORMAT Delivery Method: 100 percent Online, Self-Paced (Anytime) Evaluation: Post-test (15 questions) and learner feedback survey Instructor Support: Email support and scheduled Q and A/office hours (optional, if you offer it) Total Contact Hours: 2 hours TARGET AUDIENCE Registered Nurses (RN), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) practicing in acute care, ambulatory care, long-term care, home health, rehabilitation, and outpatient settings. SCOPE AND COMPLIANCE This activity provides continuing education in fundamental nursing health assessment and clinical communication. It does not authorize practice beyond the participant's legal scope, replace employer policies, or substitute for clinical judgment. Content is educational, evidence-based, and aligned with general nursing standards and safe assessment principles.