The nurse completes a health history and physical assessment on a client who has been admitted to the hospital for surgery. What is the purpose of this initial assessment?
A) To gather data about a specific and current health problem
B) To identify life-threatening problems that require immediate attention
C) To compare and contrast current health status to baseline data
D) To establish a database to identify problems and strengths

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The purpose of the initial assessment is to establish a database or baseline of the client's health status, which will be used to identify both problems and strengths throughout their hospitalization. This data will inform the client's plan of care and help the healthcare team monitor their progress. Option A is incorrect because the assessment is not solely focused on a specific health problem, but rather a comprehensive evaluation of the client. Option B is incorrect because while identifying life-threatening problems is important, it is not the sole purpose of the initial assessment. Option C is incorrect because although the nurse may compare and contrast current health status to baseline data, the primary purpose is to gather data and establish a database.

The Nurse Completes a Health History and Physical Assessment on a Client