Key Areas of Physical Health Assessment

  • βœ… General Health Status: Recent illness, chronic conditions, pain levels.
    πŸ’‘ Understanding overall health helps identify risk factors, monitor existing conditions, and detect new health issues early.
  • βœ… Nutrition & Hydration: Eating habits, food security, hydration levels.
    πŸ’‘ Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for maintaining body functions, supporting recovery, and ensuring sustained energy levels.
  • βœ… Sleep Patterns: Insomnia, oversleeping, disrupted sleep.
    πŸ’‘ Adequate sleep is critical for physical and mental recovery; irregular patterns may indicate stress or underlying health problems.
  • βœ… Substance-Related Health Issues: Liver function (alcohol), respiratory health (smoking), cardiovascular risks (stimulants).
    πŸ’‘ Monitoring substance-related impacts is important to prevent organ damage and manage the risks associated with lifestyle choices.
  • βœ… Infectious Disease Risks: Blood-borne viruses (HIV, Hepatitis B/C), TB, sexually transmitted infections.
    πŸ’‘ Early identification of infectious risks facilitates timely treatment and helps prevent further transmission and complications.
  • βœ… Medication Management: Adherence, side effects, interactions with substances.
    πŸ’‘ Effective medication management ensures proper treatment, minimizes adverse effects, and avoids harmful drug interactions.
  • βœ… Wound Care & Skin Health: Injection sites, abscesses, infections.
    πŸ’‘ Regular assessment of skin and wounds can prevent infections, support proper healing, and detect complications early.
  • βœ… Dental Health: Tooth pain, infections, gum disease.
    πŸ’‘ Maintaining oral health is key as dental issues can reflect or even contribute to broader systemic health problems.
  • βœ… Exercise & Mobility: Activity levels, musculoskeletal issues, chronic pain.
    πŸ’‘ Regular physical activity and mobility assessments help maintain strength, reduce chronic pain, and prevent injuries.
  • βœ… Access to Healthcare: GP registration, recent check-ups, barriers to care.
    πŸ’‘ Ensuring consistent access to healthcare promotes early detection of health issues and supports continuous, preventive care.

Assessment Prompts & Questions

  • β€œHow has your physical health been lately? Any concerns?”
  • β€œDo you experience any pain or discomfort on a daily basis?”
  • β€œHow often do you eat and drink throughout the day?”
  • β€œAre you able to get enough sleep? Do you feel rested when you wake up?”
  • β€œHave you had any recent infections or wounds that haven’t healed properly?”
  • β€œAre you currently on any medication? Are there any side effects?”
  • β€œWhen was the last time you visited a doctor or had a health check-up?”
  • β€œDo you have any long-term conditions that need medical attention?”

Risk Factors & Health Maintenance Strategies

🚨 High-Risk Indicators:

  • Sudden weight loss or malnutrition.
  • Untreated infections or abscesses.
  • Signs of liver disease (jaundice, bloating, fatigue).
  • Breathing difficulties or persistent cough.
  • Seizures, blackouts, or severe withdrawal symptoms.

πŸ›‘ Health Improvement Actions:

  • Encourage regular GP check-ups and screenings.
  • Provide information on wound care, hygiene, and safe practices.
  • Discuss nutritional improvements and hydration strategies.
  • Support access to dental care and smoking cessation programmes.
  • Co-ordinate with healthcare services for chronic condition management.