HA exam 3

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering spine conditions, neurological and GI/cardiac assessment concepts, lab values, and common clinical terms mentioned in the notes.

Kyphosis

An excessive forward curvature of the upper spine, giving a rounded back or hunchback appearance.

Lordosis

The natural inward curve of the spine in the cervical and lumbar regions; can be exaggerated in swayback.

Scoliosis

Abnormal sideways curvature and rotation of the spine, often forming an S or C shape.

Snellen Chart

A chart used to measure visual acuity; primarily tests the optic nerve (Cranial Nerve II).

Cranial Nerve XI (Accessory Nerve) Test

Shrug shoulders against resistance to assess integrity of the accessory nerve.

External rotation and abduction of the shoulder

Movement tested by placing the arm behind the head to assess shoulder external rotation and abduction.

Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms

Hot, painful, deformed, and edematous wrists and symmetric involvement of peripheral interphalangeal joints.

Manual muscle testing (lower extremities)

Testing leg strength by asking the patient to push against resistance.

Fine motor skills testing (adults vs toddlers)

Adults: writing; Toddlers: stacking blocks; used to assess dexterity and coordination.

Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation

A measure calculated from height and weight to assess body fat; formula uses height and weight.

Vitamin C and Vitamin K deficiency bruising

Bruising can indicate deficiencies in vitamins C and K.

Serum albumin levels

A blood test used to assess a patient’s protein status.

Skin turgor hydration assessment

Hydration check via skin elasticity; commonly tested on the hand/wrist in younger patients.

Abdominal assessment sequence (IAPP)

Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation — the standard order for abdominal exam.

Abdominal assessment position

Best position: patient in supine position.

Palpate all four quadrants (abdomen)

During assessment, palpate each of the four abdominal quadrants for tenderness or masses.

Cardiac landmarks (Pulmonic, Aortic, Erb's Point, Tricuspid, Mitral)

Pulmonic: left 2nd ICS; Aortic: right 2nd ICS; Erb's point: left 3rd ICS; Tricuspid: left 4th ICS; Mitral (apical): 5th ICS at mid-clavicular line.

Erb’s point

Left sternal border at the 3rd intercostal space; a landmark for auscultation.

Friction rub

A scratchy, sandpaper-like heart sound associated with pericarditis.

Diastole and S1/S2

S1 marks beginning of systole; S2 marks beginning of diastole; friction rub can occur with pericarditis.

Diastolic murmur

A harsh, raspy, machine-like blowing sound heard after S2.

Holosystolic murmur

A blowing murmur that lasts for the entire interval of S1 through S2.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein)

Often labeled the 'bad' cholesterol; high levels increase heart disease risk.

HDL (high-density lipoprotein)

The 'good' cholesterol; higher levels are protective against heart disease.

Triglycerides (adult/child thresholds)

Aim <150 mg/dL for adults; <90 mg/dL for children and teens.

Total cholesterol goal

Less than 200 mg/dL is considered desirable.

Pallor assessment site

Pallor is best assessed via the buccal mucosa (inside of the cheek).

Osteoporosis history question

Ask about daily milk intake as a nutritional history clue.

Pap smear position

Semi-Lithotomy position for the procedure.

Dialysis

A machine used to remove waste when kidneys are not functioning properly.

AED

Automated External Defibrillator; device used to restore normal heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest.

CPR

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; emergency procedure to preserve brain function until further steps can be taken.

MDI

Metered-Dose Inhaler; inhaler device delivering medication to the lungs.

Tinnitus

Ringing or buzzing in the ears.

HIV (virus associated with AIDS)

Human Immunodeficiency Virus; attacks the body's immune system and can lead to AIDS.

Glaucoma

A group of eye conditions characterized by increased intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage.

Otoscope

A device used to examine the ears.

Hepat- (prefix)

Greek/Latin root meaning 'liver'.

-itis (suffix)

Suffix meaning inflammation.

Peripheral vascular pulse sites

Common sites include: Radial, Ulnar, Brachial, Femoral, Popliteal, Dorsalis Pedis, Posterior Tibial.

Capillary refill

Normal refill time is typically less than 2 seconds.

Breath sounds in heart failure

Crackles (rales) may be heard due to fluid in the lungs.

PAD (peripheral arterial disease) pulses

Absent or diminished distal pulses are common and indicate vascular compromise; this is an emergency.