Physical Assessment Flashcards
(83 cards)
Rhonchi
coarse sound, gurgling; cleared with cough; low pitched expiration heard in expiration from secretion in bronchiole
Rales/crackles
crackles heard at base from fluid accumulation; not how far up the lungs it goes; could mean CHF, heard on inspiration
Wheezes
music or high pitched cooing sound; caused by obstruction of airflow out from the lungs; heard on inspiration and expiration
Order of assessment - Abdomen
inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
What are the four techniques used in physical assessment?
inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation; order changes with the abdomen
Assessing health status involves what two components?
health history and physical assessment
A complete health assessment starts on which part of the body first
head to toe; systematically working downward efficiently with fewest position changes for the patient
Order of Head to Toe
general survey, V/S, head, neck, upper extremities, chest and back, abdomen, external genitalia, anus, lower extremities
What are some of the purposes of the physical assessment?
- obtain baseline data
- confirm or refute history
- establish nursing diagnosis
- evaluate physiological outcomes and progress
- make clinical judgement of status
- identify areas for disease prevention and health promotion
Nurses use guidelines and ___________ practice to focus health assessment on specific conditions
evidence-based
What are some colorectal cancer screenings?
FOBT annually 50+
Sigmoidoscopy q 5 years 50+
Colonoscopy every 10 years 50+
Barium enema q 5 years 50+
What are some breast cancer screenings?
BSE starting early 20”s
breast exam q 3 years 20-40 y/o
MMG annually 40+
What are some cervical and uterine cancer screenings?
PAP q 2 or 3 years; may be stopped after total hysterectomy and at age 70 if 10 year Hx of negative result
What are some prostate cancer screenings?
consult physician (PSA)
Is head-to-toe assessment the same for adults and children?
no; less invasive areas (mouth, genitals, ears) last
Palpation is used to determine…
texture, temperature, vibration, organ/mass info (position, size, consistency, mobility), distention, pulsation, tenderness/pain
dorsal recumbent
female assessment: back-lying position with knees flexed and hips external rotated; used for cardiopulmonary problems
Supine
Overall assessment: back lying, legs extended; not tolerated with respiratory and cardiovascular problems
Lithotomy
female assessment: legs in stirrups
Sims
rectal/vaginal assessment: side-lying position with lower arm behind body and upper leg flexed
Prone
Posterior thorax and hip assessment: lies on abdomen head to side; not tolerated by older adults or with cardiovasc/resp problems
Two types of pal pation are:
light and deep
Describe light palpation
precedes deep palpation; fingers of dominant hand are moved in a circular movement while pressed gently and parallel to skin; areas may be lightly palpated several times rather than holding pressure
Describe deep palpation
done after light because the pressure can dull sense; done with two hands; top hand applies pressure and lower hand perceives sensation; one hand may be used. USUALLY NOT DONE ON ROUTINE EXAM and REQUIRES SIGNIFICANT SKILL (pressure can damage organs and not done with undiagnosed acute abdominal pain)