Intro to Physical Assess Flashcards
Define Examination
The process of obtaining a history, performing the systems review plus selecting and administering tests and measures to gather data about the patient/
Client.
What is the initial examination?
Comprehensive screening
Specific testing
All to get the diagnosis
In addition to a diagnosis, the examination may also identify what?
Possible problems that require consultation or referral to another provider.
What are the four parts of a physical examination according to the guide to physical therapist practice?
What does each part mean?
History–patient’s background and chief complaint
Systems review–possible abnormalities through different systems of the body
Tests and measures–things that are very measurable such as vital signs
Plan of care–referral? Goals, prognosis, interventions
What is unique about being under direct access versus when we are under a doctor’s supervision?
PTs are responsible and liable for identifying underlying issues that are referable. For example, heart and lung problems.
When conducting a medical screening for appropriate treatment and or referral, why are we doing it and what are we looking for?
What are the three categories that we would put a screen patient into?
- Initial evaluation determines suitability for a specific treatment modality.
- PT’s are looking for signs and symptoms of systemic disease that can mimic neuromuscular and musculoskeletal dysfunction.
- a. appropriateness of physical therapy
b. Yellow flag(caution)– the patient has the potential of a serious condition but the PT can still treat patient with caution.
c. Red flag(warning)–patient has the potential of a serious condition and the patient is not appropriate for physical therapy. The patient must be referred on.
. What are the four parts of history taking?
Primary complaint or chief complaint.
Past medical history (info may be related to primary complaint).
Family history especially immediate family.
Review of systems even if they’ve filled out the screening form.
What is physical assessment?
Named of four cardinal physical assessment techniques.
What is the purpose of physical assessment?
The use of psychomotor skills in the examination of a patient.
1. Inspection
2. Palpation (touch with intent to learn.)
3. Auscultation/Listening (stethoscope)
4. Percussion
Identify and address signs symptoms and other information which lead to: appropriate intervention or appropriate referral.
Compare and Contrast Comprehensive v Focused assessment
Comprehensive–Head to toe like a physical.
Focused–specific and problem oriented.
Comprehensive–Rule in or out causes of Chief complaint.,
Health promotion, not normally a PT thing.
Focused–Address current concerns, Assess symptoms from specific body system, Should be part of PT doctoring profession.
Why should a novice PT reflect on patient approach?3
Feelings of insecurity are normal.
Patients are also anxious.
Do NOT show alarm w/ your findings.
What are proper environment and equipment considerations to consider? 4
lighting (pin lights, general lighting of the room).
Room temperature.
Examination table height.
Make sure equipment is available and functional in the examination room.
How do you make the patient comfortable? 3
Proper draping (error on conservative side).
Describe your plans before starting.
Be sensitive to the patient’s feelings.
How does one organize the exam sequence? 2
Head to Toe.
Avoid unnecessary changes in pt position.
Standard and MRSA Precautions are based on what principle?
All blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions–except sweat, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes–may contain transmissible, infectious agents.
What do Standard and MRSA Precautions say to do in order to protect yourself and the patient?
Practice good hand hygiene.
Know when to wear gloves and mouth/nose/eye wear.
Practice respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette.
Safe needle practices.
