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EMT 201 Patient Assessment

A comprehensive course in the theory and skills of patient assessment. The topics covered include patient history, techniques of physical examination, patient assessment, clinical decision making, communications and documentation of findings.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisites: BIO 130

Corequisite

Co-requisites: EMT 200 and EMT 207

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

EMT 201 Patient Assessment

Campus Location

  • Dover

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: BIO 130

Co-requisites

Co-requisites: EMT 200 and EMT 207

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

A comprehensive course in the theory and skills of patient assessment. The topics covered include patient history, techniques of physical examination, patient assessment, clinical decision making, communications and documentation of findings.

Additional Materials

None

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

All students must be able to access the Internet and know how to retrieve information from the Learning Management System on the DTCC web page.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Describe and demonstrate techniques used to obtain a medical history from a variety of patients. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7)
  2. Describe and demonstrate techniques used to perform an assessment of mental status. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
  3. Describe and demonstrate techniques used to perform physical examinations of a variety of patients. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
  4. Analyze interview responses and physical examination findings in order to formulate a differential diagnosis. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Describe and demonstrate techniques used to obtain a medical history from a variety of patients.
    1. Perform interviews that incorporate the principles of therapeutic communication, and adjust communication strategies to be appropriate for the patient's age, stage of development, and special needs or culture.
    2. Use effective communication techniques to obtain a chief complaint, history of present illness or injury, pertinent past medical history, family/social history, and review of the body systems.
    3. Explain the role of active listening in communication.
    4. Demonstrate the use of clinical reasoning to focus questioning while obtaining a medical history.
    5. Formulate questions in order to obtain a focused medical history.
    6. Demonstrate acquisition of pertinent histories of simulated patients.
  2. Describe and demonstrate techniques used to perform an assessment of mental status.
    1. Differentiate between normal and abnormal assessment findings of the following: appearance and behavior, posture and motor behavior, dress and grooming, speech and language, mood thought and perceptions, insight and judgment, memory, and attention.
  3. Describe and demonstrate techniques used to perform physical examinations of a variety of patients.
    1. Demonstrate the proper use of body substance isolation measures.
    2. Describe the techniques of inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.
    3. List the techniques of a physical exam that comprise the general survey.
    4. Differentiate between normal and abnormal assessment findings for the following: skin, hair, and nails; lymphatic system; head and neck; eyes, ears and nose; throat and neck; chest and lungs; heart and blood vessels; abdomen; genitalia; anus/rectum; musculoskeletal system; and nervous system.
    5. Perform an assessment of the following: skin, hair, and nails; lymphatic system; head and neck; eyes, ears, and nose; throat and neck; chest and lungs; heart and blood vessels; abdomen; musculoskeletal system; and nervous system.
  4. Analyze interview responses and physical examination findings in order to formulate a differential diagnosis.
    1. Perform a SAMPLE history.
    2. Utilize the OPQRST mnemonic to evaluate pain.
    3. Describe the steps to complete a secondary assessment.
    4. Describe how the physical assessment is modified for a patient with a life-threatening emergency.
    5. Document interview and assessment findings using a standardized narrative format.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Perform all psychomotor, paramedic skills in the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards consistent with acceptable practice for an entry-level paramedic.
  2. Conduct complete, accurate and timely patient assessments, to include history and physical exam, and communicate findings.
  3. Interpret assessment findings in order to accurately identify a differential diagnosis and integrate pathophysiologic principles and legal responsibilities to formulate a treatment plan.
  4. Effectively perform the role of Team Leader to include: timely decision making, effective resource utilization, implementing appropriate plan of action for a given situation, adapting the plan to changing conditions and communicate.
  5. Assess a scene or situation in order to identify threats to operating safely.
  6. Apply communication and ethical decision-making skills required for an entry-level paramedic.
  7. Exhibit professional, affective behavior.
  8. Function effectively as an entry-level paramedic in the pre-hospital working environment in the roles of Team Leader and Team Member.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

Academic Integrity

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Academics/Academic-Integrity

Attendance

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Search?q=attendance

Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal