Intro to physical exam Flashcards
Describe the use of universal precautions
a: protect patient and provider from spread of disease
b: gloves used in presence of blood/body fluids
c: wash hands before and after wearing gloves
Proper glove use
wash and dry hands
Remove glove and hold it at open end
Pull cuff over hand and encase the gloves
Dispose in proper container (red disposal if contaminated with body fluid or debris)
What are the 4 techniques of examination (in order)?
Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
Describe inspection
asses appearance of age, posture, mobility, asymmetry, color changes
Describe auscultation
performed with stethoscope–> listen to lung, heart, GI
Describe percussion
Preformed with hands:
flatten fingers over thorax/abdomen
Strike distal knuckle with 3rd finger
Note the sound difference when percussing over hollow organ vs bone.
dull= fluid Flat= solid Tympanic= air
Describe palpation
done with hands. superficial and deep
Principles of osteopathic philosophy
- the body is a unit
- body is capable of self-regulation
- structure and function are reciprocally interrelated
- rational treatment is based upon an understanding of the basic principles of the previous principles/
Diaphragm
Larger circle.
Used for higher frequency (ex breath and heart sounds)
Bell
Smaller circle
Used for low frequency sounds (ex bruits)
What width should the BP cuff be?
40% of the circumference of the upper arm
What length should the BP cuff be?
80% of the circumference of the upper arm
What happens if the BP cuff is too small (too narrow)
BP reading will be high
What happens if the BP cuff is too large (too wide)
BP will read low on a small arm, high on a large arm
Where should you place the stethoscope to measure BP?
diaphragm goes just below the cuff over the brachial artery
