What is a primary method of patient assessment?

Observation serves as a primary method of patient assessment because it allows healthcare professionals to gather real-time information about a patient's condition without relying on subjective input. By observing a patient, clinicians can assess vital signs such as respiratory rate, skin color, and general demeanor, which can provide crucial indicators of health or distress. Observation can also reveal behaviors, movement patterns, and other non-verbal cues that are essential for forming a complete understanding of a patient’s health status.

While consulting family members can bring in valuable insights, and reviewing previous medical records can provide important historical context, these methods are typically secondary and provide supporting information rather than a direct assessment of the patient's current state. Conducting physical exams is indeed a critical component of patient assessment, but focusing on observation allows for a broader, more immediate evaluation that can be integrated with other assessment methods to develop a comprehensive care plan.