3.1 Global assessment of aging: Clinical or functional assessment

One of the important roles in the field of nursing is to conduct physical/clinical assessment, still very important for this the clinical interview, in which we must make a small interrogation. In this interrogatory, we must include data on pharmacological and nutritional history and a physical examination (performing additional tests if is necessary).

One of the most important points that are included in the anamnesis is the review of systems (based on the 14 basic human needs of Virginia Henderson).

1. Need of Respiration and circulation
• In which we must reflect toxic habits (snuff), pathologies and related symptoms
2. Need for nutrition and hydration
• Where we can apply the Mini Nutritional Assessment to assess the nutritional status and identify special characteristics of the diet (allergies, special diets and nutritional supplements).
3. Need of elimination
• In which we evaluate the urinary excretion (the urinary incontinence that can be measured with the evaluation Urinary Incontinence test), and the fecal excretion (constipation, laxatives...).
4. Need of Movement
• In which we value the functional capacity through the Barthel Index for basic activities of daily living and Lawton and Brody Index for instrumental activities of daily living.
5. Need to rest and sleep
• In which we value ​​the quality and quantity of sleep
6. Need to dress and undress
• In which we use the Barthel index to assess the presence of cognitive impairment (which may affect the ability of dressing and grooming).
7. Need for Maintenance of body temperature
8. Need for hygiene and maintenance of skin integrity
• In which also we use the Barthel index for assessing functional independence level.
• In addition, we must assess the state of skin and mucous membranes including the Barden index for the assessment of risk of pressure ulcers.
9. Need for security / avoid the risk
• In which we must obtain information about allergies, drug treatment and inclusions in health programs. In addition, we will use the Lobo test to see the cognitive level.
10. Need of communication
• In which we must assess the quality of communication, sensory deficits and social and family relationships.
11. Need of beliefs and values
12. Need for self-realization
13. Need to recreate
• In which we must value the way to occupy their free time, helping him if is necessary to find alternative entertainment.
14. Need to learn
• In which we must value the level of education, ability and motivation for learning 

At the time of data collection relating to the pharmacology history, nursing professionals have an important role in detecting signs and symptoms related to the side effects that they may have drugs that patients take regularly. It is also very important to ensure that the patients don't take more medications than they need.

In my opinion, the valuation of the 14 basic human needs of Virginia Henderson is the best way to carry out a clinical assessment, since it assesses all fields.

Bibliography

• Vernet Aguiló F. Conceptos básicos de enfermería en la atención gerontológica según el Modelo de V. Henderson. Gerokomos. 2007; 18(2): 77-83