Chapter 9: General Survey & Measurement

Question 1

General Survey

Answer 1

This is the study (with your eyes) of the whole person upon entering the room

Question 2

What are the 4 areas of General Survey? (PBMB)

Answer 2

Physical appearance
Body structure
Mobility
Behavior

Question 3

Physical Appearance

Answer 3

Does the patient appear their stated age? Do they look older or younger? What is their level of consciousness (LOC)? Do their sex characteristics look appropriate for their age? Is there any redness, swelling, paleness, cyanosis of the skin? Is their face symmetrical?

Question 4

Body Structure

Answer 4

What is their height/weight? Is it appropriate for their age? What is their nutrition status? Is everything proportional (compare 2s of everything, like your 2 arms or legs, etc.)? Does one side look weaker than the other? Hypertrophy? Atrophy? How is their posture? Are they compensating? Are they sitting normally? Hunched over?

Question 5

Mobility

Answer 5

How is their gait? Is there any paralysis? Any ticks or tremors?

Question 6

Behavior

Answer 6

Do their facial expressions match what they’re saying? Are the making eye contact? How is their general emotion? How is their speech? Articulate? Slurring? Incoherent? Fast? How is their dress and personal hygiene? Is it appropriate for the climate? Do they smell? What is their occupation?