Week 2 - General Survey and Pain Assessment

Question 1

What is BMI, how is it calculated, and what are the ranges?

Answer 1

Body-mass-index. Used as an optimal marker of weight for height, and as an indicator of obesity or protein-calorie deficiency. 
BMI = weight (kg)/height (m) 
<18.5 = underweight 
18.5-24.9 = normal 
25-29.9 = overweight
30-34.9 = obesity class I
35-39.9 = obesity class II
>40 = obesity class III

Question 2

What is the waist-to-hip ratio? What are the ranges?

Answer 2

= Waist circumference/hip circumference

Reflects body fat distribution as an indicator of health risk. Used with BMI to serve as indicators of health risk

women (>88cm) and men (>102cm) = at greater risk for obesity, hypertension and heart disease.

Question 3

What is a general survey? When does it begin?

Answer 3

It is a study of the pt that begins the moment you first encounter. 4 components:

1) physical appearance
2) body structure
3) mobility
4) behavior

Question 4

How are pain signals carried to the CNS?

Answer 4

2 sensory neurons

1) A-delta fibers - axons are myelinated and larger in diameter. Transmit pain signals rapidly = localized, sharp sensations
2) C-fibers - axon is unmyelinated and smaller diameter. Transmit pain signals slowly = diffuse dull aching sensations

Question 5

What is nociception? What are the 4 phases of it?

Answer 5

nociception is the perception of pain.

1) transduction
2) transmission
3) perception
4) modulation