Key Areas of Physical Health Assessment
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General Health Status: Recent illness, chronic conditions, pain levels.
π‘ Understanding overall health helps identify risk factors, monitor existing conditions, and detect new health issues early. -
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Nutrition & Hydration: Eating habits, food security, hydration levels.
π‘ Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for maintaining body functions, supporting recovery, and ensuring sustained energy levels. -
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Sleep Patterns: Insomnia, oversleeping, disrupted sleep.
π‘ Adequate sleep is critical for physical and mental recovery; irregular patterns may indicate stress or underlying health problems. -
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Substance-Related Health Issues: Liver function (alcohol), respiratory health (smoking), cardiovascular risks (stimulants).
π‘ Monitoring substance-related impacts is important to prevent organ damage and manage the risks associated with lifestyle choices. -
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Infectious Disease Risks: Blood-borne viruses (HIV, Hepatitis B/C), TB, sexually transmitted infections.
π‘ Early identification of infectious risks facilitates timely treatment and helps prevent further transmission and complications. -
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Medication Management: Adherence, side effects, interactions with substances.
π‘ Effective medication management ensures proper treatment, minimizes adverse effects, and avoids harmful drug interactions. -
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Wound Care & Skin Health: Injection sites, abscesses, infections.
π‘ Regular assessment of skin and wounds can prevent infections, support proper healing, and detect complications early. -
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Dental Health: Tooth pain, infections, gum disease.
π‘ Maintaining oral health is key as dental issues can reflect or even contribute to broader systemic health problems. -
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Exercise & Mobility: Activity levels, musculoskeletal issues, chronic pain.
π‘ Regular physical activity and mobility assessments help maintain strength, reduce chronic pain, and prevent injuries. -
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Access to Healthcare: GP registration, recent check-ups, barriers to care.
π‘ Ensuring consistent access to healthcare promotes early detection of health issues and supports continuous, preventive care.
Assessment Prompts & Questions
- βHow has your physical health been lately? Any concerns?β
- βDo you experience any pain or discomfort on a daily basis?β
- βHow often do you eat and drink throughout the day?β
- βAre you able to get enough sleep? Do you feel rested when you wake up?β
- βHave you had any recent infections or wounds that havenβt healed properly?β
- βAre you currently on any medication? Are there any side effects?β
- βWhen was the last time you visited a doctor or had a health check-up?β
- βDo you have any long-term conditions that need medical attention?β
Risk Factors & Health Maintenance Strategies
π¨ 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.
π 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.