Classic health assessment techniques Flashcards
preparation for physical assessment consist of
- collect
- introduce
- provide
- drape
- uncover
- use
Inspection
- intentional
- first technique used for every body system
- uses sight, smell, and hearing
what is observed using inspection
- initial overall characteristics
what is the first technique used for every body system
inspection
considerations for inspection
- proper light
- adequate exposure
- proper language
- proper equipment (as needed)
- symmetrical comparison (when possible)
Considerations for palpitation
Patient comfort (communication, warm hands, non-tender to tender)
Which parts of the hand are used fro palpitation
- fingertips
- dorsal aspect of the hand
- ulnar edge of the hand
what are the characteristic observed through palpitation
- texture
- temperature
- moisture
- organ location and size
- swelling
- vibration or pulsation
- rigidity or spasticity
- crepitation
- presence of lumps of masses
- presence of tenderness or pain
tender areas are palpated ______
LAST
how to preform light palpitation
finger pads of the hand are used in a circular motion
percussion
sounds produced from within the body as a result of tapping on the bodys surfaces
percussion allows nurses to identify
location, size, density of an underlying organ
direct percussion
striking hand contacts body wall directly
amplitude (percussion)
- intensity
- loudness or softness of a sound
pitch (percussion)
- frequency
- number of vibrations per second
quality (percussion)
- timbre
- musical nature of sound
duration
- lenght of time note lingers
diaphragm of the stethoscope hears
high pitch sound
bell of stephoscope hears
low pitch sound
developmental considerations for infants
- parental presence
- use of distraction
- preform least distressing aspects first
developmental considerations for toddlers
- on parents lap
- use of security objects
- enhance autonomy
- demonstrate procedures on parents first
developmental considerations for school age children
- desire approval
- sense of modesty
- demonstrate equipment
- intrest in how the body works
developmental considerations for preschoolers
- limited body image
- allow play with equipment
- use games
- complement on cooperation
developmental considerations for adolescents
- self conscious and introspective
- body image and body comparison
idealistic and amenable to health teaching - do not treat as if they are a child
