Physical Exams Flashcards
Physical exam
Consists of health history, physical exam, and lab and diagnosis tests
Final diagnosis
The patient condition is determined through a health history, physical exam, laboratory tests, and diagnosis procedures.
Clinical diagnosis
An intermediate step before final diagnosis. Obtained through evaluation of the health history and the physical exam without the benefit of laboratory or diagnostic test
Differential diagnosis
2 or more disease may have similar system-toms
Prognosis
The probable course and outcome of a patient condition and the patients prospects for recovery
Risk factor
Physical or behavior condition that increase the probability that an individual will develop a particular condition
Screening test
A test performed on a large number of individuals for the early detection of a condition before it causes symptoms
Acute illness
Rapid onset and are usually severe and intense but subside after a short time
Chronic illness
Last longer then 3 months and show little change over a long time
Therapeutic procedure
Treat patient’s condition with the goal of eliminating it or promoting as much recovery as possible
Diagnostic procedure
To assist in the diagnosis of a patients condition
Drap
A paper cloth that covers patient or parts of a patient to provide comfort and warmth and reduce exposure
Sphygmomanometer
Blood pressure devise
Stethoscope
Used to auscultate body sounds, exL blood pressure, long and bowel sounds.
- Diaphragm used to assess high-pitched sounds, like lung and bowel sounds
- Bell is used to assess low-pitched sounds, like heart and vascular system
Otoscope
Lighted instrument with lens for ear canal and tympanic membrane
Tuning fork
Used to test hearing acuity.
- Frequency is 512 to 1024Hz
Ophthalmoscope
Lighted instrument with lens, used to exam interior of the eye
Mensuration
The process of measuring the patient
Body Mechanics
The use of correct muscles to maintain proper balance, posture, and body alignment
- Keep the natural curve of the spine or vertebral column
Vertebral column
Four curvatures: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral curvatures
Transfer belt (gait belt)
Used to assist in the transfer of a print from a wheelchair to an examining table and back again
Inspection
Observation of the patient of any signs of disease
Palpation
The exam of the body using the sense of touch. Usually placement and size of organs, lumps, existence of pain, swelling, or tenderness
Percussion
Tapping the patient with the dingers and listing to the sounds produced to determine to size, density, and location of organs. Used to examine the lungs and abdomen