Which assessment activity is typically performed at hospital admission?

Which assessment activity is typically performed at hospital admission?

• A. A problem-focused assessment
• B. A comprehensive assessment
• C. A shift assessment
• D. A discharge assessment

Answer: (B)

When a patient is admitted to the hospital, a comprehensive assessment is performed to establish a complete baseline of health status. This broad intake evaluation gathers medical history, current symptoms, past illnesses, medications and allergies, vital signs, a head-to-toe physical examination, functional status, mental and emotional health, nutritional status, and psychosocial and cultural considerations, as well as living situation and support systems. It also identifies risk factors such as fall risk or infection risk. The goal is to uncover all health problems and needs on arrival so the initial care plan can be accurately prioritized and coordinated. In contrast, a problem-focused assessment targets a specific complaint or symptom, a shift assessment is a quicker check to monitor ongoing status during a shift, and a discharge assessment occurs when preparing for transition home to summarize progress and plan follow-up.

When a patient is admitted to the hospital, a comprehensive assessment is performed to establish a complete baseline of health status. This broad intake evaluation gathers medical history, current symptoms, past illnesses, medications and allergies, vital signs, a head-to-toe physical examination, functional status, mental and emotional health, nutritional status, and psychosocial and cultural considerations, as well as living situation and support systems. It also identifies risk factors such as fall risk or infection risk. The goal is to uncover all health problems and needs on arrival so the initial care plan can be accurately prioritized and coordinated.

In contrast, a problem-focused assessment targets a specific complaint or symptom, a shift assessment is a quicker check to monitor ongoing status during a shift, and a discharge assessment occurs when preparing for transition home to summarize progress and plan follow-up.