Final answer:
A nurse performs a physical assessment of a newly admitted patient to gather essential information about the patient's health status, establish a therapeutic relationship, and develop a personalized care plan.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary reason why a nurse performs a physical assessment of a newly admitted patient is to gather essential information about the patient's health status. By conducting a physical assessment, a nurse can identify any physical abnormalities, obtain baseline data for comparison, and gather subjective and objective data that can contribute to a comprehensive patient assessment. These assessments help the nurse develop a personalized care plan and provide appropriate interventions to meet the patient's needs.
For example, during a physical assessment, the nurse may measure the patient's vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate. These measurements help in evaluating the patient's overall health and detecting any signs of distress or abnormality.
The physical assessment also allows the nurse to establish a therapeutic relationship with the patient, which is crucial for providing comprehensive care. By interacting with the patient during the assessment, the nurse can build trust, promote communication, and address any concerns or questions the patient may have.