“…The benefits to patient care, as a result of nurses’ performance of physical assessment, are summarized as follows: (i) enhancement of effective communication (Yamauchi, 1997); (ii) recognition of changes in the patient’s condition (Gender, 1983; Barrows, 1985; Lont, 1992; Wilson & Lillibridge, 1995); (iii) enhancement of triage skills (George, 1984); (iv) early establishment of a nurse–client relationship (Bates & Lynaugh, 1973); (v) promotion of nursing decision‐making and management (Lynaugh & Bates, 1974; Hagopian et al , 1982); (vi) assistance to patients in overcoming problems (Turnbull, 1976; Gender, 1983); and (vii) increased job satisfaction (Gender, 1983).…”