Intro to the Physical Exam Flashcards
Hand dermatitis
common among healthcare workers, too much avagard!
Universal Precautions
Hand washing, nail care, eye protection, gloves
When to wear gloves
intimate exams of mouth, genitals, open wounds
When to wear sterile gloves
any time there is a potential source of infection
Traditions in Medicine
Bare hands
Right-oriented exam
4 basic exam techniques
IPPA! Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
Exam Technique: Inspection
- Eyes and nose
- Appropriate lighting
- Symmetry, contour, shape, size, color, moist / dry, pulsating?
Exam Technique: Palpation
use of hands and fingers to gain information based on touch.
Light - circular motion, 1 hand, 1 cm
Deep - two hands, 4 cm
Palpation with Palmar Surface
To detect movement, texture, crepitus, fine details
Palpation with Ulnar Surface
Vibrations
e) vocal fremitus
Palpation with Dorsal Surface
Used to sense temperature
Exam Technique: Percussion
The striking of one object (plexor - hammer) against another (pleximeter - nail) to produce sound waves and vibration
Quality of Percussed Sound vs. Tissue Type
Denser tissue = quieter sound, hollow = louder sound
Resonance
big sound from air filled spaces, ex. lungs are resonant to percussion
Tympany
Drum like. ex. the belly has air and fluid, tympanic to percussion
