What is the importance of the knowledge of anatomy and physiology in nursing?

Anatomy for nurses: providing students with the best learning experience

Amy N B Johnston. Nurse Educ Pract. 2010 Jul.

Free article

Abstract

A good understanding of human anatomy is clinically relevant for many health care professionals. A detailed knowledge of where, as well as how, to palpate, percuss or auscultate is essential for adequate assessment, provision of treatment and ongoing care of patients. Thus, the linking of human anatomy and clinical assessment is essential. However, Australian nursing students are often excluded from experiences, such as exposure to cadaveric material, which might enable them to gain a good working knowledge of internal human anatomy. Herein systematic student feedback from nursing students who were provided with a single exposure to prosected human anatomical material and were able to manipulate and interact with that material is presented, in the context of the integrative educational aims and goals of this learning and teaching activity. Thus, this study aims to add to the literature informing ongoing dialog regarding the best set of tools to teach anatomy to students of nursing.

Crown Copyright 2009. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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What is the importance of knowledge of anatomy and physiology in nursing?

A good understanding of human anatomy is clinically relevant for many health care professionals. A detailed knowledge of where, as well as how, to palpate, percuss or auscultate is essential for adequate assessment, provision of treatment and ongoing care of patients.

What is the importance of anatomy and physiology?

With a foundation of anatomy and physiology, you will have the building blocks to make the proper decisions and provide accurate and quality care. Of course, the study of anatomy and physiology is not static. New innovations in science and medicine change our understanding of the human body all the time.

In what ways can anatomy and physiology help nursing students?

Nursing students must study anatomy and physiology to understand how the body functions and to help them recognize the causes of illness. Nurses apply concepts and practical applications to assess, diagnose, and track their patients' health.

Why is it important to have knowledge of anatomy?

Anatomy is taught to most people at school and is not only important in medicine and sports, but is also an inspiration for art and literature worldwide. Today's anatomists combine many technologies and techniques to discover more about animals and humans, thus advancing the field of medicine.