Exam 1 Flashcards
Why is the examination process important?
Helps determine the patient’s initial functional level
- also reveals interests and goals
What are the other rationales for the examination process? (3)
- set goals based on the findings in the exam
- re-evaluate functional level
- reset goals for the rehab plan
What is objective data?
What you see
- HR, BP, # of feet a person can walk (signs)
What is subjective data?
What the patient tells you
- I feel tired, im in pain, (symptoms)
What does the documentation consist of?
- Medical records
- Physical chart
- Communication tool w/ other health care providers
- it is legally required
True of False:
If it is not documented, it did not happen.
True
What do you NEED to include in the documentation of a patient?
- history
- outcomes measure questionnaire
- Inspection
- Palpation
- Joint and Muscle Function (ROM, MMT)
- Joint Stability Tests
- Special Tests (MD, PT, OT, KT)
- Neurologic Testing
- Vascular Screening
- Mobility tests
- Ability to perform ADLs
- Standardized testing
True or False:
You shouldn’t examine the right leg if the left leg is injured.
False, you must examine BOTH legs for comparison purposes.
Which limb should you measure first in the examination process and why?
Measure the non-injured limb first because this will decrease apprehension (nerves) and help the patient relax because he/she will know what to expect.
What are the 4 main special considerations for a clinical assessment?
- Keep modesty in mind if patient needs to wear a hospital gown. (patient needs to be comfortable)
- Keep patient covered as much as possible
- Religious and cultural considerations
- Physician’s order for KT (specifically)
True or False:
You always need a physician’s order when doing a clinical assessment.
True
True or False:
Medical records can be computerized or written.
True
When should you and should you not use open ended questions when assessing a patient?
SHOULD: to find more information about them to understand their situation better
SHOULD NOT: time running out, critical pain, bad mood
What does Past Medical History consist of?
- Medical records, Non-actue examinations
- health conditions, known pathologies
- previous injuries/surgeries
- predisposing factors
What do Previous History Questions consists of?
- Is there a history of injury to the body area? On either side?
- describe and compare current injury
- do the current symptoms duplicate the old symptoms? - Are there any possible sources of weakness from a previous injury?
What are the 4 main points of Past Medical Health?
- General medical health (current health status)
- Relevant illness and lab work (review radiology reports)
- Medications (what are they currently taking? CHECK VITALS)
- Smoking/heavy alc use (decrease exercise tolerance, increased risk for CVD, may delay healing time)
What does MOI stand for?
Mechanism of Injury
What is the difference between macrotrauma and microtrauma?
Macro: happens immediately
Micro: happens overtime
What should you document when dealing with pain?
- location
- type
- referred (heart, back, neck, arm)
- radicular
- daily pain patterns
- provocation and alleviation patterns
1. other symptoms
2. treatment to date
3. does the patient want to get better?
4. disability or limitations
What are the goals of the physical examination process? (2)
- physician determines clinical diagnosis
- therapist identifies impairments and functional limitations
When does inspection of the patient begin?
as soon as the patient walks through the doors
What does inspection consist of?
- gait
- posture
- function
- guarding
- splinting
- walking aids
How should you palpate a patient with pain?
bilaterally moving out to towards the pain
What should you look at in a physical examination?
- deformities
- swelling
- skin condition(s)
- signs of infection