Introduction to the Human Body & Physical Assessment

Question 1

Define anatomy

Answer 1

study of body structure

Question 2

Define physiology

Answer 2

study of body function

Question 3

What is the relationship between anatomy and physiology?

Answer 3

Physiology is explainable only in terms of the underlying anatomy/ Function always reflects structure (principle of complementarity of structure of function

Question 4

How are structure and function related?

Answer 4

structure determine function

function modifies structure

Question 5

Provide 3 examples of structure-function relationships

Answer 5

principle of complementarity of structure of function -

1. ) Bones can support and protect body organs because they contain hard mineral deposits.
2. ) Blood flows in one direction through the heart because heart valves prevent back flow
3. ) Different shapes of Teeth are made to chew certain things

Question 6

Basic components of a feedback system & general functions

Answer 6

Stimulus affects the variable, that triggers the
RECEPTOR
sends input to
CONTROL SYSTEM receives signal, when we detour from the set point in the body it tries to bring the body back
EFFECTOR
does what he control system wants and reduces effects of the stimulus

Question 7

Define catabolism

Answer 7

The release of energy resulting in the breakdown of complex materials

Question 8

Define anabolism

Answer 8

Body utilizes energy released by catabolism to make complex molecules

Question 9

What is homeostasis?

Answer 9

the maintenance of a stable environment (balance)

Question 10

Define negative feedback

Answer 10

Effector activity reverses and reduces original stimulus

Question 11

Define positive feedback

Answer 11

Effector activity is enchanted and the stimulus is intensified

Question 12

How does negative feedback works to maintain homeostasis

Answer 12

When the body moves away from a set point, negative feedback brings the body back to that point

Question 13

Give an example of a physiologic variable whose level is normally maintained through
a negative feedback mechanism. Describe the feedback loop that maintains this
variable within normal limits.

Answer 13

1.) Thermoregulation

When the body is too cold - it shivers
When the body is too hot - it sweats

2.) When blood sugar is too high, insulin brings it down and when its too low, glycogen brings it back up.

Question 14

Give an example of a physiologic variable which is normally regulated through a
positive feedback mechanism. Describe the feedback loop involved in this case.

Answer 14

Blood clotting - the body gets a cut and blood platelets go to the site to mend the wound

childbirth

Question 15

What is the purpose of an assessment?

Answer 15

The development of an individualized plan for each patient

PAD & MUD

Plan nursing care
Asses Effectiveness
Detect Changes

Maintain safety
Understand patients perspective
Develop therapeutic relationships

Question 16

Explain the components of an assessment

Answer 16

OLD CART

Onset - the initial existence or symptoms of a disease

Location - Where is this symptom located?
Duration - How long has you had this?

Characteristic Symptoms - How bothersome is the symptom? Rate the pain on a scale of 1-10.

Associated manifestations -
do you have any other symptoms aswell?

Relieving Factors - Things that can temporarily help with the pain (like lifting legs if theres swelling)

Treatment - Medication prescribed

Question 17

Explain the difference between subjective and objective information acquired during an assessment

Answer 17

Subjective - 80%
Objective 20%

Subjective - how the patient reports that they feel , health history , symptoms

Objective - what I as the nurse see (physical examination), lab reports / signs

Question 18

A patient presents to the Emergency Department with a chief complaint (CC) of chest
pain. What questions would the nurse ask to find out more information about the
pain?

Answer 18

OLD CART

Duration - How long have you been feeling?

Location- Where does it hurt specifically?

Associated manifestation- Do you have any other symptoms?

Question 19

A patient arrives to the unit after open heart surgery. What physical examination
techniques would you use and in what order?

Answer 19

Inspection and auscultation

Question 20

Explain the difference between subjective and objective information acquired during an assessment

Answer 20

Subjective - 80%
Objective 90%

Subjective - how the patient reports that they feel , health history , symptoms

Objective - what I as the nurse see (physical examination), lab reports / signs

Question 21

What 2 subsections exist in subjective information?

Answer 21

1.) Review of Systems
Questions asked to identify patients signs and/or symptoms

2.) Chief Complaint - the reason the patient came in, respond with OLD CART

Question 22

What 2 subsections exist in objective information?

Answer 22

1. ) Physical examinations
   - Cephalic (toward the head) to caudal (toward the tail)
   - When you check the persons eyes, body etc
2. ) Physical examination (PIPA)
   - Palpation
   - Inspection
   - Percussion
   - Auscultation

Question 23

Define :
Physical examination (in this order)
- inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation

Answer 23

Palpation - Feel for surface and internal abnormalities using your hands

Inspection - inspect each body system (vision, hearing, smell. Look at the color, shape etc)

Percussion - Use fingers to tap quickly against parts of the patients body to determine changes in organ shape, position etc

Auscultation- Using a stethoscope