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Journal Article Review
Kim Watson
Chamberlain College of Nursing NR 305
Health Assessment
Professor J. Deibel
Spring B 2014

Journal Article Review

Introduction

‘A guide to taking a patient’s history’ is an article published in the nursing standard Journal, volume 22, issue 13, dated December 5, 2007, written by Hillary Lloyd and Steven Craig. In this article, Lloyd and Craig describe the practice of obtaining a patient history in a systematic way, importance of communication skills, preparing the environment, and explaining why a thorough assessment is indispensible.

Summary of Article

Obtaining a patient’s history is of utmost importance, for the nurse or healthcare provider, when conducting a patient assessment. It is during this time the patient presents valuable and pertinent information. Also, it is at this time a relationship is evolved between the nurse and patient. Prior to taking the history it is important to prepare the environment. The nurse may come across many varied environments. Such as, patient’s homes, emergency room, clinics, community settings, and different areas of the hospital. Having all needed equipment accessible and area to avoid interruption is important. The environment should support safety for both the patient and nurse. Making sure enough time is allotted to conduct the assessment is stressed. “Not allowing enough time can result in incomplete information, which may adversely affect the patient’s care”(Lloyd & Craig, 2007,p.42).

Communication skills need to be of high quality. It is imperative to remain professional at all times. Communication involves both verbal and nonverbal skills. The authors give examples of both.

Using the appropriate skills it creates a personal relationship with the patient, thus building, trust