One key concept I learned is the concept of PQRST in the Health Assessment lab. Palliation, Quality, Region, Severity, Timing

One key concept I learned is the concept of PQRST in the Health Assessment lab. Palliation, Quality, Region, Severity, Timing (PQRST) is a mnemonic that helps nurses assess a patient’s pain and all associated triggers/complications. This is important because pain is subjective data. It is a self-reported symptom.

There is no specific way to identify pain except by believing what the patient is saying. However, the nurse can use this mnemonic to attempt to pinpoint the source of the pain. Identifying the source of the pain and triggers associated with it can help the nurse aid the patient better towards recovery.

Using PQRST for the initial assessment also creates a standard that all nurses can use to ensure a patient’s pain is addressed and taken care of.

As far as skills, I was able to learn the appropriate order for the head-to-chest assessment and effectively practice. Inspect, Palpate, Percuss and Auscultate are the steps to properly assess a patient without missing any part of the body. It is basic nursing. You basically start from the head and work your way down. This helps in shining a light on a patients most critical need.

Keeping this concept in mind along with this newly learned skill I am able to provide the best nursing care to my patients because I will address all aspects of their health. (peer response by your own w