Initial assessment/no place to sit down privately?

[alexprn]

Hey guys,

Can someone share some tips on how to perform an assessment in the patient's home? My first visit was a lady who had her grown up kids there, and there was no place for us to talk privately, she didn't want to show her messy bedroom. Even if the family member would step out, can you examine her on the chair? Can we skip genitalia examination (if no diagnosis involved)? I am a little scared to miss something, but my agency seem to be laid back about it ( i guess cause its my license that would be targeted, right)

Anyway, i am newbie, please enlighten me)

[caliotter3]

I have seen assessments where areas such as the privates, were marked "not assessed" or such. I would have tried a little harder to get her to go to the bedroom for privacy. Assure her that "messy" is relative and it does not matter, but her privacy does. You have to learn assertiveness or you will have bigger problems down the road that will get magnified, possibly to everyone's detriment.

[JustMeRN]

I usually do skin exam (backside) when I have the client show me their bathroom. As in. "While we are here is it ok if I look at your backside,I want to make sure you don't have any skin problems". This actually accomplishes two things. Skin exam and answers to oasis question regarding clothing management during toilet ting. Aside from that I don't see a need to do a routine examination of a clients genitals, unless there is a diagnosis of issues involving the genitals. For that matter, when I worked in the hospital routine examination of genitals was not extpected either. Are you looking something specific?