Intro to Physical Diagnosis Flashcards
Discuss “Universal Precautions”
Ways to protect yourself and others from the transmission of infectious agents:
Hand hygiene - wash hands in front of patients
PPE - Gloves - for open wounds and mucus membranes, Mask - for respiratory protection, cover coughs, Eye protection - wounds that ooze or are under pressure may squirt out, face shield
Cover all coughs
Keep fingernails cut short
Safe injection techniques
Sterile procedures for invasive procedures
Clean all contaminated (or potentially contaminated) equipment and surfaces, including laundry
Don’t recap needles, use sharps containers
Use a mouthpiece for resuscitation
What are the TRADITIONS with performing the physical exam?
Generally the room is set-up to examine from the RIGHT-HAND side
Greet the patient, possibly include a handshake
Generally after greeting the patient you have a seat and allow them to speak (tell their story)
Ensure the setting is private and confidential
Define: I-P-P-A
Inspection
Palpation
Percussion
Auscultation
What part of the hand should be used to detect VIBRATION?
ulnar surface of the palm or fingertips (example: aortic murmur)
What part of the hand should be used to determine TEXTURE and SIZE?
palmar surface of the fingers and finger pads
What part of the hand should be used to determine TEMPERATURE?
dorsal surface of hand
What TYPE OF PERCUSSION TONE would you expect to hear with healthy lungs?
resonance
What TYPE OF PERCUSSION TONE would you expect to hear from the LIVER?
a DULL sound
What TYPE OF PERCUSSION TONE would you expect to hear in a patient with asthma or COPD?
hyperresonance (due to trapped air)
What TYPE OF PERCUSSION TONE would you expect to hear during an abdominal exam?
tympany
What TYPE OF PERCUSSION TONE would you expect when examining the rectus femoris?
flatness
What types of sounds/pitches would you hear with the BELL of a stethoscope?
low pitch
What types of sounds/pitches would you hear with the DIAPHRAGM of a stethoscope
high pitch
If you are examining the heart, lungs, or abdomen of a patient which part of the stethoscope do you use?
diaphragm
If you want to listen to blood flowing through an artery which part (or side) of the stethoscope do you use?
bell
