The Head-to-Toe Observation Form

Price (includes one year of access and CE):  US$16 Course Code: 7SENNF-PRV-09-ddn31 CE: 3.00 Hours. Post Test Score Required for Successful Completion: 80%

Course Overview:

"The Head-to-Toe Observation Form" provides a systematic approach to making and reporting 85 different observations about potential changes in health status for people living in community residential settings. This module teaches nurses how to instruct caregivers in the use of this Form with people with developmental disabilities to ensure

• early detection of injuries and illnesses
• prompt reporting of urgent conditions, and
• promotion of physical, mental, and social health.

In addition to providing explanations of what should be observed and why it should be observed for each of the 85 health observations, the module also describes how to implement use of the Form with caregivers in residential facilities. Nurses also can print free copies of the Head-to-To Observation Form, Administrative Follow-Up Form, and Passport Profile (information for health providers) for use in their facilities.

Course Objectives:

After completion of this learning activity, the learner will be able to:

• list positive health habits that are universal both for people with and without developmental disabilities.
• state the importance of early detection of emerging health problems in people with developmental disabilities.
• describe the role of the caregiver in observing for emerging health problems.
• state the benefit of using the Head-to-Toe Observation Form for organizing daily observations of clients for signs of emerging health problems.
• describe situations in which implementation of the Head-to-Toe Observation Form would be recommended.
• describe the elements of the Head-to-Toe Observation Form, including rules for use.
• describe use of the Administrative Follow-Up Form.
• given a simulated client scenario, demonstrate correct use of the Head-to-Toe Observation Form.

This courseware was made possible in part by grant number R43 NR04738-03 from the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors.

Copyright© 2007 by HealthSoft, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

HealthSoft, Inc. is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the New York State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

It has been assigned code 7SENNF-PRV-09.

This course is updated annually. Expiration date: 5/1/11

The faculty and planners of this course have no vested interests to disclose.

This course has received no commercial support.