Title: Module 4: Overview
Course: HEALTH ASSESSMENT 80FA20 > Section: Module 4 - Peripheral Vascular System; Abdomen (September 14-20)

Module Introduction

Assessment of specific systems continues with the assessment of the peripheral vascular system and the abdomen.

The purpose of this module is to help you learn the structure and function of the peripheral vascular system and the abdomen; locate the peripheral pulse sites; discriminate normal bowel sounds; understand the rationale and methods of examination of the peripheral vascular; understand the rationale and methods of examination of the abdomen; and accurately document the assessment of each system.

At the end of this module you should be able to perform a complete assessment on the peripheral vascular and the abdomen.

Vascular disorders include disorders of the arterial, venous and lymphatic systems. Peripheral vascular diseases may cause serious complications and may result in loss of limb or death. Accurate assessment of the peripheral vascular system is essential to detect any issues or abnormalities with this system.

Health problems related to the abdomen and gastrointestinal system are common in the United States as well as in international countries. Abdominal pain is a symptom that patients frequently present with in all health care settings - emergency department, medical surgical in patient unit, long-term care, critical care units, and primary care clinics. Abdominal pain is commonly seen in children, adults, and older adults. Abdominal pain may be related to a benign health problem or a serious and life-threatening health problem. Nurses need strong assessment skills and should be able to analyze assessment findings accurately and quickly.

Click the video below to watch the introduction from your faculty.

Module Outcomes

At the end of this module students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate appropriate history taking and examination techniques for the peripheral vascular system. (CO 1, 2, 3)
2. Discriminate between normal, age-related, and abnormal findings for the peripheral vascular system.  (CO 4, 5, 6)
3. Demonstrate appropriate history taking and examination techniques for the abdomen. (CO 1, 2, 3)
4. Discriminate between normal, age-related, and abnormal findings for the abdomen. (CO 4, 5, 6)

Module Activities

Below is an outline of the items for which you will be responsible throughout the module.

Task | Activity | Due Date | Module Learning Objective Alignment
Optional Readings & PowerPoints | eBook readings from Jarvis Physical Examination & Health Assessment (7^th ed.) are found in the Sherpath weekly modules. PowerPoints are also available for each lesson. |  | 1, 2, 3, 4
Sherpath Lessons
- Lesson # 20
- Lesson # 21
- Lesson # 22
- Lesson # 23
- Lesson # 24
- Lesson # 25
1, 2, 3, 4
Simulations:

- Assessing the Peripheral Vascular System
- Assessing the Abdomen

Discuss
Class Discussion:

Complete the simulation and document your findings as a discussion post.  You should contribute your first post no later than Day 3. Then, follow up on the post of one other classmate and any faculty or peer responses to your own posts.
Day 3 - 7
1, 2, 3, 4
Submit | Case Study # 2 | Day 7 | 1, 2 OR 3, 4