Essentials of Nursing Science and Practice

Faculty of Heath and Wellbeing
BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies
Academic Level: 4
Essentials of Nursing Science and Practice

Detailed Assignment Information Task 1 Reflective Assignment

This information provides more detail to help you meet the assessment criteria

Write a reflective assignment focusing on one aspect of physiological assessment, relevant to your field of practice.

N.B. There is no requirement to follow a specific or named reflective model although students are free to do so should this be preferred. Those that do so should be careful to avoid over expending the word allowance describing the nature of reflection which is not a requirement.

Examples may include:
BMI (Body mass index)
Height/Weight
Assessment of effects and side effects of medicines
Pain assessment
Nutritional assessment
Fluid balance
Vital signs
Early warning score
Pressure area risk assessment
Wound assessment
Falls assessment
Continence assessment
Moving and handling assessment

You may have undertaken the same physiological assessment on a number of occasions or once only. You may have carried out the assessment under supervision or have observed the process. How you organise your assignment is a personal choice.

Theory underpinning the assessment process
You should demonstrate evidence of reading around the theory of assessment as part of the nursing process, nursing models, holistic care and relationship/family centred care.

The reason for undertaking the aspect of physiological assessment and its’ relevance to the health care need of the service user
You should identify the reason why the assessment was undertaken and state its’ relevance to the on-going health care need for the service user with reference to relevant theory. For example, undertaking blood pressure to identify risk of coronary heart disease or signs of dehydration, identifying BMI to identify need for healthy eating /maintaining healthy weight.
Strengths and limitations of assessment tools within physiological assessment
Consider how assessment tools were used in the physiological assessment process with reference to relevant theory. For example, collecting and using objective data to form baseline measurement, quantify risk, identify needs etc.