Physiological Dimensions Assessment

Question 1

What is a general survey?

Answer 1

A systematic approach to assessing the physiological dimensions of an individual

head-to-toe assessment

Question 2

What is the purpose of conducting a head-to-toe assessment?

Answer 2

• identify abnormal data
• establish a baseline for comparison
• evaluate response(s) to medical and/or nursing interventions

Question 3

When do you conduct a head-to-toe assessment?

Answer 3

Acute care:
start of shift and on admission

Long term care:
on admission then prn

Community:
any time we have a new referral and then prn

Question 4

What are the 4 techniques used for assessment?

Answer 4

Inspection
Palpation
Percussion
Auscultation

Question 5

What should you try to provide the pt with when conducting a head-to-toe?

Answer 5

as much privacy as possible

Question 6

What are some points to consider before doing an assessment?

Answer 6

environment
equipment (have what you need)
safety

Question 7

What are the 7 systems in the physiological dimension?

Answer 7

Neurological
Respiratory
Cardiovascular
Gastro-intestinal
Genito-urinary and reproductive
Musculoskeletal
Integumentary and Lymphatic

Question 8

What is a general survey?

Answer 8

study of the whole person that includes:

Physical appearance: age, sexual development, skin color, facial features

Body structure: stature, nutrition, symmetry, position, build, obvious physical deformities

Mobility: gait, ROM

Behaviour
Weight
Height
Skin fold thickness
Vital signs and pain