Competency 1

Question 1

Describe the use of the Snellen test, what is a normal test, and perform it.

Answer 1

• state - used to test visual acuity
• describe - 20/20 vision is normal
• instruct patient to hold chart ~14” away and to read at least two lines of letters in an order of decreasing size
• examine each eye separately (cover one eye at a time)
• examine both eyes

Question 2

Correctly place blood pressure cuff and stethoscope over brachial artery, inflate and deflate cuff.

Answer 2

• correct body position for patient and examiner (arm between two trunks)
• correctly place cuff with arrows over brachial artery
• hold arm are patient’s level of heart
• use diaphragm of stethoscope on the correct area of arm
• tell patient to relax
• inflate cuff, listen for first Korotkoff sound then second Korotkoff sound
• deflate cuff
• remove cuff

Question 3

Demonstrate testing the deep tendon reflex of the patellar tendon.

Answer 3

• identify a patellar tendon
• strike tendon with reflex hammer in such a way to elicit a DTR
• examine bilaterally

Question 4

Demonstrate percussion of the thoracic cavity

Answer 4

• flatten fingers of one hand over thorax
• strike distal knuckle with finger(s) of other hand to elicit sound
• bilateral checked at same level

Question 5

Demonstrate proper way to check for pupillary reflex

Answer 5

• use light of ophthalmoscope or otoscope
• state examiner is looking for pupils to constrict
• examine bilaterally