Principles of Physical Assessment

Question 1

What are the three categories used to describe physical assessment findings?

Answer 1

Normal, Unusual, Abnormal

Question 2

What is the concept that describes the continuum between normality and abnormality?

Answer 2

Normality/Abnormality Continuum

Question 3

When should physical examinations be conducted for newborns?

Answer 3

At birth, Nursery (Daily and Complete Exam Weekly), Discharge

Question 4

What is the first technique of physical assessment?

Answer 4

Observation

Question 5

List the techniques of physical assessment.

Answer 5

• Observation
• Auscultation
• Palpation
• Percussion
• Transillumination

Question 6

What are the basic conditions for conducting a physical assessment?

Answer 6

• Quiet, well-lighted environment
• Keep baby warm
• Tools at bedside
• Calm baby
• Handle gently
• Notify caregiver/parent of findings

Question 7

According to Florence Nightingale, what is the purpose of observation in nursing?

Answer 7

To save life and increase health and comfort

Question 8

What does Honeyfield state about information collection in physical assessments?

Answer 8

The practitioner can collect most of the information needed for a complete physical assessment solely through observation

Question 9

True or False: Percussion is commonly used in neonates.

Answer 9

False

Question 10

What is the recommended order for a physical assessment?

Answer 10

• Observation
• Auscultation
• Palpation
• Head to toe examination

Question 11

What are the key components to observe in general observation?

Answer 11

• Distress
• Morphology
• Nutrition
• State
• Respirations
• Color
• Posture
• Movements

Question 12

What aspects should be assessed in the head and neck region?

Answer 12

• Cranium (Size, Shape, Fontanels, Sutures)
• Scalp (Hair Pattern, Swellings, Defects)
• Ears (Shape, Position, Morphology)
• Face (Morphology)
• Neck (Range of Movement, Masses, Clavicles)

Question 13

What should be evaluated in the chest area during a physical assessment?

Answer 13

• Skin (Color, Nipples)
• Chest Wall (Shape, Size, Movement)
• Lungs (Breath Sounds, Quality, Air Entry)

Question 14

What heart sounds should be assessed?

Answer 14

• S1 and S2
• Splitting
• Intensity
• Rate
• Rhythm
• Added Sounds (S3, Murmurs)

Question 15

What are the key components to assess in the abdomen and perineum?

Answer 15

• Shape
• Distension
• Movement
• Skin
• Umbilicus
• Masses
• Bowel Sounds

Question 16

Which reflexes are assessed in the neuromuscular examination?

Answer 16

• Suck
• Root
• Grasp
• Moro
• Tendon Jerks (DTRs)

Question 17

Fill in the blank: The _______ is the point of maximal intensity in heart assessment.

Answer 17

PMI

Question 18

What should be observed in the sensory response during a neuromuscular examination?

Answer 18

Response to stimuli, Pain – pin prick

Question 19

List the cranial nerves assessed during the examination.

Answer 19

• Olfactory
• Optic
• Oculomotor
• Trochlear
• Trigeminal
• Abducens
• Facial
• Auditory
• Glossopharyngeal
• Vagus
• Spinal Accessory
• Hypoglossal

Question 20

What is the significance of the Brazelton Exam?

Answer 20

Assesses alertness and responses in infants

Question 21

What are the two main qualities assessed in pupillary response?

Answer 21

• Size
• Reaction to Light

Question 22

True or False: The examination of the baby’s hips is always done first.

Answer 22

False

Question 23

What should be measured at birth and during subsequent assessments?

Answer 23

• Weight
• Head Circumference
• Length