Head-to-Toe Assessment Flashcards
what types of data do we gather from a pt?
subjective
objective
pain
bp, pulse ox, temp
Types of Physical Assessment: what is a comprehensive exam?
looking @ everything & asking lot’s of q’s
Types of Assessment: what is a focused exam?
checking a specific problem
Type of assessment: what is a system specific exam?
anything related to a certain body system
Type of assessment: what is an on-going exam?
do the same assessment every time
What are diagnostic tests we can run?
labs: abg’s, cbc, sputum
radiology: chest x-ray, ct, v/q scan, pet scan
skin test
pulmonary function test
endo exams
What are methods of data collection?
interview
nursing health history
physical exam
diagnostic & lab results
What are elements of an assessment?
history
baseline history
problem based history
Exam:
VS
inspection
Ausculation
Palpation
What does the assessment include?
interview & physical
What does the nursing diagnosis determine?
diagnosis nurse can make based on their judgement
What does planning include?
based on the data from the assessment
What does the evaluation include?
established nursing accountability
What are techniques used in the assessment?
inspection
palpation
percussion
auscultation
olfaction
Do we use or sense of taste during our assessment?
no!!
During our visual exam what should we do to make sure we do the exam properly?
good lighting
expose all parts to be examined & maintain privacy for other parts not being examined
use additional light for som areas of body; eyes, ears, throat
What do we observe for in the visual inspection?
color
shape/symmetry
movement
position
What techniques do we use for palpation?
bimanual/manual
dorsum of hand
palm or ulnar surface of hand
palmar surface of finger/pads
How far do we push for light palpation?
1cm or 1/2 depth
How far do we push for deep palpation?
4cm or 2 in depth
When we palpate what are we assessing?
texture
resistance
resilience
mobility
temp
thickness
shape
moisture
What is percussion?
tapping on the body w/ fingers or an instrument
What is direct percussion?
applied directly to body
What is indirect percussion?
applied through another surface
Characteristics of sound: what is frequency?
of osculations per sec generated by a vibrating object
Characteristics of sound: what is loudness?
amplitude of a sound wave
Characteristics of sound: what is quality?
descriptive
Characteristics of sound: what is duration?
length of time that sounds last
When using the stethoscope what should we always do?
always place directly on skin
What can the bell of the stethoscope best hear?
low sounds (heart/vascular)
What can the diaphragm of the stethoscope best hear?
high pitched sounds
(bowel & some abnormal lung sounds)
What can our olfactory sense be used for in the healthcare setting?
used to detect abnormal vs normal smells
How do we prepare for the assessment?
Gather all supplies
Into
Explain
Hand hygiene
use gloves (if needed)
clean stethoscope & bp cuffs b/w pt’s
make pt comfy & privacy
What are special considerations for the aged?
Recognize physical/sensory limitations
Recognize normal changes of aging vs abnormal
When do we take the health history?
before the exam
What should we ask/assess during the assessment?
race/gender
age
body
type
posture
signs of distress
substance abuse
speech
movement/gait
hygiene/grooming
dress
affect/mood
pt abuse
What are signs of abuse?
inconsistent statement & injury
bruises, lacerations, burns, bites
x-ray showing fractures in various stages of healing
behavior issues; insomnia, anxiety, iso
LOC: What does alert mean?
attentive, follows command, if asleep - wakes promptly & remains attentive
LOC: what does lethargic mean?
drowsy but awakens, slow to respond
LOC: what does obtunded mean?
difficult to arouse, need constant stimulation
LOC: what does stuporous/semi-comatose mean?
arouses only to vigorous/noxious stimuli, may only withdraw from pain
LOC: what does comatose mean?
no response to verbal or noxious stimuli, no movement except deep tendon reflex
What is checked for cognitive awareness?
pt oriented to person, place, time
known as mentation
How do we ask a patient about their cognitive awarness?
what is their name/dob
where are you right now
what day/year is it?
What are we testing when we examine cranial nerves III, IV, & VI?
Pupil response & cardinal gaze `
What do we assess with the acronym PERRLA?
Pupils
Equal
Round
React to
Light &
Accommodation