Ch. 19 Assessing Health: Physical Examination Flashcards
OLDCART
O- onset (when did the problem start)
L- Location
D- Duration
C- contributing factors
A- alleviating factors
R- Rx (prescribed or over the counter drugs)
T- treatment (another doc., self treatment, surgery)
What is the focus of a nursing physical examination?
focuses on functional abilities and responses to illness/stressors (part of general health assessment)
Why does the nurse perform a physical examination?
- To establish baseline data and screen for health problems
- Identify nursing dx
- Monitor status of identified problem
What is a differential diagnosis?
when medical staff come up with multiple diagnosis (10+) then rule them all out in order to end up with ONE possible diagnosis
What is a Chief Complaint (CC) ?
The reason the patient was admitted to the hospital
What are the 3 types of physical examinations?
comprehensive
focused
ongoing
What is a comprehensive examination?
- yearly checkup
- includes an interview plus complete head to toe examination
What is the purpose of the focused examination?
-focused on presenting problems; obtain data about an actual, potential or possible problem that has been identified. Usually focuses on a specific system, function or body part rather than overall health.
What is the purpose of an ongoing examination?
-performed as needed to assess status; possible changes
-evaluates patient outcomes
Each nurse who provides care continuously adds to the file, reflecting the dynamic state of the patient.
Where can you obtain baseline data?
medical records
charts
family/friends
What is the best way for a nurse to organize an examination of a patient?
Start at the head and progress DOWN the body (include system related data - heart sounds and pulses – and body systems).
What are the 4 body systems that have to be examined or can result in the patient dying?
Neurological
Cardiovascular
Respiratory
GI
How do you prepare yourself for a physical exam as a nurse?
- have theoretical knowledge (A and P, techniques)
- have self knowledge
- have knowledge about patients situation
- Read through the care plan and notes!! KNOW YOUR WAY THROUGH THE EXAM, THE PROBLEMS and RESULT!
How do you prepare the environment for the examination?
- privacy: draping/ curtains / close the door
- noise control: TV/ radio off etc.
- enable visualization: good lighting, flashlight if need, —close eyes when listening to body sounds
What is the best way to prepare the patient and make them feel comfortable?
- develop rapport
- explain procedure and advise patient before touching (“I am going to ____ now.” during the exam)
- respect cultural differences
- use proper positioning (ask pt if they feel okay in the position)
What are the four major skills used when performing a physical assessment?
Hint: IPPA
Inspection
Palpation
Percussion
Auscultation
What is inspection?
- using sight to gather data
- used throughout examination
Ex. Skin color, behavior, pupil size
What is palpation?
- use of touch to gather data (lumps or bumps?)
- begin with light pressure then deep pressure
Ex. Edema, moisture, masses
What parts of the hands are used during palpation? In which assessment does palpation come last?
Fingertips, Dorsum, Palm, Grasping ;
Assessment of abdomen.
What is percussion? What two types of percussion are there?
Tapping on skin to elicit sound (direct or indirect, useful for assessing abdomen, lung, underlying structures
DIrect percussion - tapping with fingers
Indirect - used more frequently and requires two hands (UTI Example in lecture)
What is auscultation?
-use of hearing to gather assessment data(direct or indirect)
What is the difference between direct and indirect auscultation?
DIrect is listening without an instrument; indirect is listening with a stethoscope.
What are the two parts of a stethoscope used to listen? What is the difference between them?
- Diaphragm - high pitched sounds
2. Bell - low pitched sounds
How can we modify an infant examination ?
- have parents hold the pt
- attend to safety
How can we modify an toddlers Examination?
-allow to explore and/or sit on parents lap
-invasive procedure last
-offer choices
-use praise
Give them a toy to distract them such as a reflex hammer.
How can we modify an preschoolers Examination?
- use doll for demonstration
- still may want parental contact
- allow child to help with examination
How can we modify an school Age Examination?
- show approval and develop rapport
- allow independence
- teach about how the body works
How can we modify an adolescent examination ?
- provide privacy (exclude parents/siblings)
- Teach them what normal physiology is to quell concerns about changes.
- use examination to teach healthy lifestyle
- screen for suicide risk
How can we modify an Young/Middle Adults Examination?
- Negotiate with them if necessary
2. modify if there is a presence of acute or chronic illness.