Physical exam: General Appearance, Head, and Skin Flashcards
Somnolent
drowsy or sleepy disposition
Cachectic/Emaciated
physically wasting (extremely thin)
Morbidly Obese
Large body mass index (BMI)
Nontoxic Appearing
Well-appearing patient in minimal distress
Often used to describe well-appearing pediatric patients
Normocephalic
normal appearance and size of the head
Atraumatic
no signs of trauma present
Cyanosis
Bluish discoloration of the skin due to a lack of oxygen
Pallor
An unhealthy paleness of the skin
Erythema
Superficial reddening of the skin
Jaundice
Yellowing of skin due to abnormal bilirubin build-up
Abrasion
Superficial wound to the top most layer of the skin
Contusion
A region of skin in which blood capillaries are ruptured; AKA
bruise
Ecchymosis
An area of ruptured blood vessels similar to a contusion; AKA
bruise
Laceration
A cut in the the skin
Puncture
A small hole in the skin
Wheal
round, localized area of edema on the skin
Wheal-and-Flare
(a reaction) rash or hives (irregular, blanch raised areas with
redness)
Urticaria
hives or wheals which are either redder or paler than the surrounding area and are often accompanied by itching
Maculopapular
rash or hives (flat red area covered with small confluent bumps)
Pustules
small collection of pus under the skin
Bullae
Fluid-filled blisters
Petechiae
a small round flat dark-red spot caused by bleeding into the
skin or beneath the mucus membrane
Purpura
purple spots or blotches (don’t turn white when pressed)
Induration
A hardened area of normally soft tissue
