CampusLocation:DoverEffectiveDate: 2018-51

CourseNumberandTitle:EMT 201 Patient Assessment

Prerequisites:BIO 130

Co-requisites:EMT 200, EMT 207

CourseCredits andHours: 3 credithours

3 lecturehours

0 lab hours

CourseDescription:A comprehensive coursein thetheoryand skills of patient assessment. Thetopics covered includepatient history, techniques ofphysicalexamination, patient assessment, clinical decision making,communications, and documentation of findings.

Required Text(s):Obtain current text bookinformationat bookstore. You will need to know the coursenumber and section.

Additional Materials:

MethodofInstruction:Classroom

Disclaimer:All students must be able to access theInternet and know how

to retrieveinformation from Blackboard onthe DTCCweb page.

CoreCoursePerformanceObjectives:

1.Describeand demonstratetechniques used to obtain a medical historyfromavarietyof patients. (CCC1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7)

2.Describeand demonstratetechniques used to perform an assessment ofmental status. (CCC1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

3.Describeand demonstratetechniques used to perform physicalexaminations of avarietyof patients. (CCC1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

4.Analyzeinterview responses and physical examination findings in order to formulate a differential diagnosis. (CCC1, 2, 3, 6; PGC 1, 2,3, 4, 6, 7)

SeeCore Curriculum Competencies(CCC)and Program Graduate Competencies(PGC)at the end of thesyllabus. Course objectives arecoded to the competency(cies)theydevelop.

MeasurablePerformanceObjectives:

Uponcompletionofthiscourse,thestudentwill:

1.Describeand demonstratetechniques used to obtain a medical historyfromavarietyof patients.

1.1Performinterviewsthatincorporatetheprinciplesoftherapeuticcommunication,and adjustcommunicationstrategiestobeappropriate forthepatient’sage, stageof development,andspecialneedsorculture.

1.2Useeffectivecommunicationtechniquesto obtainachiefcomplaint,historyofpresent illnessorinjury,pertinentpastmedicalhistory,family/socialhistory,andreviewofthe bodysystems.

1.3Explaintheroleofactivelisteningincommunication.

1.4Demonstratetheuseofclinicalreasoningtofocusquestioningwhileobtaininga medicalhistory.

1.5Formulatequestionsinordertoobtainafocusedmedicalhistory.

1.6Demonstrateacquisition ofpertinent historiesofsimulatedpatients.

2.Describeand demonstratetechniques used to perform an assessment ofmental status.

2.1Differentiatebetweennormalandabnormalassessmentfindingsofthefollowing: appearanceandbehavior,postureandmotorbehavior,dressand grooming, speech and language,moodthoughtandperceptions,insightandjudgment,memory,andattention.

3.Describeand demonstratetechniques used to perform physical examinations of avarietyof patients.

3.1Demonstratetheproperuseofbodysubstanceisolationmeasures.

3.2Describethetechniquesofinspection,palpation,percussion,andauscultation.

3.3Listthetechniquesofaphysicalexamthatcomprisethe generalsurvey.

3.4Differentiatebetweennormalandabnormalassessmentfindingsforthefollowing: skin,hair,andnails;lymphaticsystem;headandneck;eyes,earsandnose; throatand neck;chestandlungs;heartandbloodvessels;abdomen;genitalia;anus/rectum; musculoskeletalsystem;andnervoussystem.

3.5Performanassessmentofthefollowing:skin,hair,andnails;lymphaticsystem;head andneck;eyes,ears,andnose;throatandneck;chestandlungs;heartand blood vessels;abdomen; musculoskeletalsystem;andnervoussystem.

4.Analyzeinterview responses and physical examination findings in order to formulate a differential diagnosis.

4.1PerformaSAMPLEhistory.

4.2UtilizetheOPQRSTmnemonictoevaluatepain.

4.3Describethestepstocompleteasecondaryassessment.

4.4Describehowthephysicalassessment ismodifiedforapatientwithalife-threatening emergency.

4.5Documentinterviewandassessmentfindingsusingastandardizednarrative format.

EvaluationCriteria/Policies:

Students must demonstrate proficiency on all CCPOs at a minimal 75 percent level to successfully complete the course. The grade will be determined using the DTCC grading system:

92 – 100 / = / A
83 – 91 / = / B
75 – 82 / = / C
0 – 74 / = / F

Students should refer to the 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.

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.

ProgramGraduateCompetencies(the competencies everygraduate will develop specificto his/her major):

1. Perform all psychomotor, paramedicskills in theNational EmergencyMedical Services

Education Standards consistent with acceptablepractice for anentry-levelparamedic.

2. Conduct complete, accurate and timelypatient assessments, to includehistoryand physical exam, and communicatefindings.

3. Interpretassessment findings in order to accuratelyidentifyadifferential diagnosis and integrate pathophysiologic principles and legal responsibilities to formulateatreatment plan.

4. Effectivelyperform therole ofTeamLeader to include: timelydecision making,effective resourceutilization, implementing appropriateplan of action foragiven situation, adapting the plan to changingconditions and communicate.

5. Assess a sceneor situation in order to identifythreats to operatingsafely.

6. Applycommunication and ethical decision-makingskills requiredfor anentry-level paramedic.

7. Exhibit professional, affectivebehavior.

8. Function effectivelyas an entry-level paramedicin thepre-hospital workingenvironment in the roles ofTeamLeaderand Team Member.

Disabilities Support Statement

The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. You are encouraged to schedule an appointment with your campus Disabilities Support Counselor if you feel that you may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability. A listing of campus Disabilities Support Counselors and contact information can be found at go.dtcc.edu/DisabilityServices or visit the campus Advising Center.