why learn health assessment Flashcards
inspection
collects the most data guides ur physical exam general to specific compares side to side identifies "cues"
questions involving inspection
any signs of distress?
is the patient symmetrical?
does it look the same on the left and right?
are the colour, size and shape within normals?
any unusual smells? Drainage?
unusual sounds?
palpation
sense of touch to collect data usually follows inspection reveals surface characteristics identifies tenderness or pain light, deep or bimanual (types of palpation
things to notice
palpation
size shape symmetry swelling temperature tenderness moisture masses vibrations pulsations rigidity spasticity (contractions)
light palpation
1-2cm
one hand
deep palpation
2-4cm
2 hands
bimanual palpation
2 hands on both sides
often used for uterus or kidneys
what works best for palpation
fingertips
opposing fingers and thumb
before palpation make sure to
warm hands/concent/wash hands
what kind of motion to use for palpation
circular
why palpate tender areas last
might not let u tough them again after experiencing painful palpation
what is percussion
technique of striking part of the body with short, sharp taps of the fingers
what can be assessed with percussion
location, size, position, and density of underlying organs
different ways of percussion
direct or indirect
what is auscultation?
listening to sounds produced by the body
what things can u use to auscultate?
ear alone or stethoscope
what is a general survey
an overall impression of the patient
observations only
4 areas of general survey
appearence behaviour mobility
appearence (general survey)
age sex level of consciousness (often goes into orientation) skin colour facial features any acute signs of distress
things involving body structure
stature posture build position (includes if they are on the floor) symmetry nutrition any deformities
mobility
gait
range of motion
absence of involuntary movements
kyphosis
flexed posture
a wide gait can be a sign of what?
fear of falling
behaviour
facial expression mood and affect speech dress personal hygiene hair
what measurements and vital signs to look for
height weight temp. pulse respiration bloood pressure
ethnocentrism
view your own way of life as the most desirable and act accordingly
family
identify key decision makers
identify primary caregivers
pain
universally recognized
private and personal experience
subjective
influenced by cultural heritage
culture and disease previlance
sickle cell anemia (black, west indian)
lactose intolerance
thalassemia (abnormal form of hemoglobin, body destroys RBC)
cystic fibrosis (upper respiratory problems, no cure, heretitary)
assessment techniques
IPPA
inspection palpation percussion auscultation
IPPA
