Pocket Companion for Physical Examination and Health Assessment

Pocket Companion for Physical Examination and Health Assessment, 4th edition, is a convenient and portable clinical tool for carrying out a holistic, head-to-toe assessment. This handbook is useful either as an adjunct to the Jarvis text, or as an independent primer of basic assessment skills. The Pocket Companion features all the essentials: health history points, exam steps for each body system, normal versus abnormal findings; integrated life span and transcultural considerations; and over 100 meticulously prepared color illustrations. All of this is presented in an attractive and user-friendly format that mirrors the core text. Revised and updated to match the text, the Pocket Companion is cross-referenced to the text by page number for those times when the reader needs more detailed information.

• Consistent, student-friendly format matches the core text, with each body system chapter divided into the following major sections: Anatomy (corresponds with Structure and Function section in the text); Subjective Data; Objective Data; Nursing Diagnoses; and Abnormal Findings.
• Attractive full-color design highlights key information for quick, easy reference.
• Objective Data (method of examination) is presented in a clear, two-column layout that is easy to follow. Normal Range of Findings content is listed in the left column, and the corresponding Abnormal Findings are described in the right column.
• Relevant Developmental Considerations are highlighted with a special icon, and cover age-specific life span content for pediatric, pregnant, and aging adult patients.
• New pain and domestic violence content has been added to bring the book up-to-date with these pertinent assessment topics.
• Over 100 full-color illustrations enhance learning by presenting anatomy and physiology and examination techniques more clearly.
• Selected Transcultural Considerations are highlighted with a special icon to provide a context for care of a multicultural patient group.
• Summary Checklists at the end of each body system chapter provide a cue-card review of exam steps.
• Nursing Diagnoses are listed for each region of body system being assessed (contains the most recent NANDA Taxonomy II terminology).
• Numerous helpful summary tables at the end of each chapter enhance clinical functionality.

Carolyn Jarvis, PhD, APRN, CNP