Health Assessment Flashcards
What is the purpose of doing a health assessment?
To establish nurse/pt relationship, gather data about pt general health, identify strengths, identify actual and potential problems, changes in status, and establishing base
What are the two components of a health assessment?
health history (subjective), and physical assessment (objective)
What factors do you assess during health assessment?
biographical data, reason for seeking health care, history of present illness, past medical history, lifestyle, expectations of hospital stay, elicit patient values and preferences
Ophthalmoscope
visualizes the interior structures of the eye
Otoscope
examines the external ear canal and tympanic membrane
Snellen Chart
screens for distant vision
Nasal speculum
visualizes the lower and middle turbinates of the nose
Vaginal Speculum
examines the vaginal canal and cervix
Tuning fork
tests auditory function and vibratory perception
Percussion hammer
tests deep tendon reflexes and determines tissue density
Sitting
used to take vitals
Supine
allows relaxation of abdominal muscles
Dorsal recumbent
used for patients having difficulty maintaining supine position
Sims
assessment of rectum or vagina
Prone
assessment of hip joint and posterior thorax
Lithotomy
assessment of female rectum and vagina; used for brief period only
Knee-chest
assessment of rectal area; used for brief period only
Standing
assessment of posture, gait, and balance
Auscultation
listening for sounds within the body; assess the four characteristics of sound, that is, pitch loudness, quality, and duration
Inspection
purposeful and systematic observation; assess size, color, shape, position and symmetry
Palpation
method of examining by feeling a part of the body with the fingers or hand; assess temperature, turgor, texture, moisture, tenderness, and shape