When an adult or elderly patient presents with a change in condition, nurses must know what questions to ask the patient and what signs to look for. Then nurses must analyze that information to figure out the appropriate actions to take to ensure that patient gets the proper treatment. This book introduces a step by step process that will help nurses make these crucial nursing assessments and prevent missing critical changes in their patients. In this book, you will learn: - Ways to explain what nurses do - Why LPNs can't assess - Changes in the nursing process - Tips about writing practical nursing diagnoses and care plans - 3 types of acute changes in condition nurses encounter - How to avoid 10 common nursing assessment mistakes - How to present a nursing assessment and recommendations - A 6-step process to effective assessment - To apply critical thinking skills - How to assess 10 acute symptoms in adults and the elderly - 9 strategies to improve physical examination skills In addition, you will get: - Exercises to apply the knowledge in real life situations - Template for presenting your nursing assessments - Clinical Decision Diamonds to stick in your pocket as a quick reference