JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW #2 2
Journal Article Review #2
Introduction
‘A guide to taking a patient’s history’ is an article published in the Nursing Standard Journal, in the December 5, 2007 volume 22, issue 13, pages 42-48, written by Hilary Lloyd and Stephen Craig, in this article, Lloyd and Craig provides an overview of taking a patient’s history related to nursing. There are certain questions that should be asked while taking a patient’s history and this articles outlines how to ask and what to ask. It also gives an overview of cardinal symptoms for each system in the body.
Summary of Article The preparation of the environment is an important preliminary step, and the authors point out that a nurse may encounter a patient in a variety of different environments from an emergency room to a doctor’s office. They cite Crouch and Meurier (2005), who content that the environment should be “accessible, appropriately equipped, free from distractions and safe for the patient and the nurse” (Lloyd & Craig, 2007, p. 42). The Lloyd and Craig (2007, p. 42) also assert that the assessment must be conducted with respect for the patient, an approach that requires that the patient’s beliefs and values be considered and that the nurse avoid being judgemental and remain professional. The environment should also be quiet and provide “privacy and dignity,” ideally in a location where there are no interruptions (Lloyd & Craig, 2007, p. 42). They stress protection of the patient’s confidentiality and the need to allow enough time for the patient to provide a complete history so that the patient’s care is not adversely affected by incomplete information.
JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW #2 3 The Authors note that since “The importance of taking a comprehensive history cannot be overestimated . . . Good communication skills are essential” (Lloyd & Craig, 2007, p. 42). They recommend that the nurse