Advanced Patient Assessment will take your students to the next level in the foundational skill of assessing patients in the field. Patient assessment is arguably one of the most important tasks performed by the paramedic; proficiency in performing a systematic patient assessment will determine the ability to deliver the highest quality care to sick and injured people. A paramedic’s assessment must be thorough, because many advanced life support procedures are potentially dangerous. Safely and appropriately performing advanced procedures such as the administration of medications, defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion, needle decompression of the chest, and endotracheal intubation depend on a careful assessment and accurate field diagnosis. It has been said that poor assessment can lead to poor treatment; therefore, the paramedic must be very thorough, complete, and as objective as possible.
This text offers an in-depth look at relevant anatomy and physiology, scene size-up, monitoring devices, history-taking approaches, and the physical examination process. Students will gain a deeper understanding of not just how to perform patient assessment but why each step is critical. Tip boxes and tables throughout the text crystallize and reinforce vital information.
