Chapter 9: General Survey, Measurement, Vital Signs

Question 1

General Survey

Answer 1

the overall (general) picture of the patient’s current status. It includes the general health state and ANY OBVIOUS physical characteristics, the overall impression

Question 2

General Survey includes:

Answer 2

A. Physical appearance
B. Body Structure
C. Behavior
D. Vital Signs (VS)

Question 3

Physical appearance includes

Answer 3

• appears stated age
• gender
• level of consciousness LOC (alert, responsive, attentive, etc.)
• any signs of distress

Also note facial features(symmetric w/ movement), skin color (even? Skin intact?)

Question 4

Body Structure includes

Answer 4

• nutrition: current status based on general appearance (weight)
• position: (and maybe posture, height)

Also note: symmetry, stature (height appears w/in normal range for age, genetic heritage.)

Question 5

Behavior includes

Answer 5

• mood and affect: calm, anxious, comfortable, cooperative, etc.
• speech: articulation, clear, slurred, etc.
• hygiene: clean and well groomed, disheveled, etc.

also note: facial expressions(person maintains eye contact, expression appropriate for situation), dress (clean, fits, appropriate to culture and climate), personal hygiene.

Question 6

Electronic thermometer

Answer 6

Swift, accurate measurement. Safe, unbreakable, with disposable covers.

Question 7

Also assess for

Answer 7

Weight (same time, same place, same dress. Compare weight with previous weight), height (align extended pieces to top of head, no shoes) and BMI (optimal weight for height and age)

Question 8

Report temperature in

Answer 8

Degrees Ceslius unless your agency uses Fahrenheit scale.

Question 9

Stroke volume

Answer 9

Amount of blood every heart beat pumps into aorta.

Question 10

Average stroke volume in adults

Answer 10

70 mL

Question 11

Normal temperature fluctuates when

Answer 11

Diurnal cycle (changes as day goes on)
Menstrual Cycle: temp is up 0.5 degrees F - 1.0 degree F
Exercise
Age

Question 12

Assess pulse for

Answer 12

Rate, rhythm, force, elasticity

Question 13

Normal heart range for adult

Answer 13

60-100 bpm

Question 14

Bradycardia

Answer 14

Less than 60 bpm

Question 15

Sinus arrhythmia

Answer 15

• Here, heart rate varies with the respiratory cycle. Speeding up at peak of inspiration and slowing to normal with expiration.
• Inspiration momentarily causes decreased stroke volume. The heart in response, works harder.

Question 16

Average BP in young adult is

Answer 16

120/80 mm Hg

Question 17

Cuff size is too big

Answer 17

Could make blood pressure lower than it is.

Question 18

Cuff size is too small

Answer 18

Makes blood pressure higher than it is.

Question 19

Inflate cuff about ________ above the patients normal blood pressure

Answer 19

20-30 mm Hg