General Survey and Physical Assessment Flashcards
A comprehensive health assessment always begins with a general survey. What are the observational components to a general survey?
observation of clients general apprearance, mental status,
measurement of vital signs, height, weight, and waist circumference.
In a general survey, what is looked at when inspecting the head?
hair and face eyes and vision ears and hearing nose mouth and oropharynx
In a general survey, what is looked at when inspecting the neck?
muscles lymph nodes trachea thyroid gland carotid arteries neck veins
In a general survey, what is looked at when inspecting the upper extremities?
skin and nails muscle strength and tone joint range of motion brachial and radial pulses sensation
In a general survey, what is looked at when inspecting the chest and back?
skin thorax shape and size lungs heart spinal column breast and axillae
In a general survey, what is looked at when inspecting the abdomen?
skin
abdominal sounds
femoral pulses
In a general survey, what is looked at when inspecting the external genitals?
only external genitals
In a general survey, what is looked at when inspecting the anus?
only anus
In a general survey, what is looked at when inspecting the lower extremities?
skin and toenails
gait and balance
joint range of motion
popliteal, posterior tibial, and dorsalis pedis pulses
For a physical health examination, how can a nurse prepare the client?
by introducing self and explaining procedure, reason of exam, and what client can exprect
For a physical health examination, how can a nurse prepare the environment?
by obtaining all necessary equipment, including adequate lighting and drapes for privacy, and adjusting room temp
What is inspection?
visual examination
what is palpation?
examining body using touch
What is palpation used to determine?
texture temperature vibration position, size, consistency, and mobility of organ masses distention presence and rate of peripheral pulses tenderness or pain
What are the 2 types of palpation?
light and
deep-two handed (bimanually) or one handed
What is percussion?
body surface is struck to elicit sounds that can be head or vibration that can be felt.
What are the 2 types of percussion?
direct and indirect
Flatness
an extremely dull sound head when percussing over very dense tissue
Dullness
a thudlike sound heard with percussion over dense tissue