Chapter 16: Reassessment
Topic
● Reassessment
Reassessment
● Repeat key elements of assessment procedures already performed
● Identifies changes and trends
● Must never be skipped except when lifesaving interventions prevent you from doing it
● Identifies
○ Changes
■ Subtle and obvious
○ Trends
○ Deterioration
○ Improvement
● Communicate with the patient
○ Explain process
○ Consider patient’s feelings, such as anxiety or embarrassment
Components of Reassessment
● Repeat the primary assessment
○ Recheck for life-threatening problems
■ Reassess mental status
■ Maintain open airway
■ Monitor breathing for rate and quality
■ Reassess pulse for rate and quality
■ Monitor skin color and temperature
■ Reestablish patient priorities
Pediatric Note
● The mental status of an unresponsive child or infant can be checked by shouting (verbal
stimulus) or flicking the foot (painful stimulus)
● Crying is an expected response from a child with adequate mental status
Components of Reassessment
● Reassess and record vital signs
○ Compare results with baseline measurements
○ Reevaluate oxygen saturation
○ Document findings to record and identify trends
● Repeat pertinent parts of the history and physical exam
○ Chief complaint any change, especially with regard to severity
○ Ask about changes in symptoms, especially ones anticipated because of
treatments administered
○ Repeat physical exam
● Check interventions
Topic
● Reassessment
Reassessment
● Repeat key elements of assessment procedures already performed
● Identifies changes and trends
● Must never be skipped except when lifesaving interventions prevent you from doing it
● Identifies
○ Changes
■ Subtle and obvious
○ Trends
○ Deterioration
○ Improvement
● Communicate with the patient
○ Explain process
○ Consider patient’s feelings, such as anxiety or embarrassment
Components of Reassessment
● Repeat the primary assessment
○ Recheck for life-threatening problems
■ Reassess mental status
■ Maintain open airway
■ Monitor breathing for rate and quality
■ Reassess pulse for rate and quality
■ Monitor skin color and temperature
■ Reestablish patient priorities
Pediatric Note
● The mental status of an unresponsive child or infant can be checked by shouting (verbal
stimulus) or flicking the foot (painful stimulus)
● Crying is an expected response from a child with adequate mental status
Components of Reassessment
● Reassess and record vital signs
○ Compare results with baseline measurements
○ Reevaluate oxygen saturation
○ Document findings to record and identify trends
● Repeat pertinent parts of the history and physical exam
○ Chief complaint any change, especially with regard to severity
○ Ask about changes in symptoms, especially ones anticipated because of
treatments administered
○ Repeat physical exam
● Check interventions
