HESI flashcards 246

Apical-radial pulse deficit

Condition where the apical pulse differs from the radial pulse count; indicates possible heart issues.

Melena

Black, tarry stools indicating gastrointestinal bleeding, often requiring monitoring of hematocrit and blood urea nitrogen.

Smoking pack years

Calculation of smoking history; packs of cigarettes smoked per day multiplied by the number of years smoking.

Costovertebral angle tenderness

Pain elicited during percussion of the costovertebral angle, indicating potential kidney issues.

Level of consciousness assessment

Initial evaluation of a patient's awareness and responsiveness, often starting with eye opening.

Tinnitus

Perception of noise or ringing in the ears without an external source, requiring hearing tests for evaluation.

Asymmetrical legs

Discrepancy in appearance or size of the legs, necessitating further circumference measurement or passive range of motion.

Aphasia

Impairment of language ability, often assessed through questions about personal history such as eating.

Patient documentation

Accurate recording of observed behavior and condition of the patient, such as wandering behavior with flat affect.

Suprapubic tenderness

Pain in the lower abdominal area, often associated with urinary symptoms like feeling of pressure after voiding.

Wrist mobility assessment

Assessment of wrist function including motions like hyperextension and palmar flexion.

Memory evaluation

Initial assessment of memory issues, starting with simple recall tasks such as recent meals.

Epigastric pain

Pain located in the upper central region of the abdomen, often suggesting gastrointestinal issues.

Low-pitched blowing sound in abdomen

Could indicate abnormal findings such as renal artery stenosis.

Depressed umbilicus

Indication of potential prior trauma or abnormal finding requiring further inquiry.

Crepitation in knee

A sensation during movement indicative of potential degenerative disease or injury.

Bladder distention signs

Symptoms of urinary retention, often assessed by asking for urine volume or checking for urinary urgency.

Pupillary reaction to accommodation

Test for eye response involving changes in pupil size when focusing on objects at varying distances.

Apgar score assessment

Evaluation of a newborn's health immediately after birth based on heart rate, respiration, muscle tone, reflex response, and color.

Palpation of enlarged lymph nodes

Assessment that may involve inquiry about pain or tenderness associated with swollen lymph nodes.

Back pain assessment

Initial evaluation of musculoskeletal pain that assesses related activities or pain during movement.

Client's shortness of breath

Requires detailed inquiry to determine contexts and potential underlying issues.

Client's communication about care

Response to client dissatisfaction that should aim to understand emotions behind their statements.

Developmental evaluation in toddlers

Assessment that may result in referrals for children not meeting motor skill milestones.

Postpartum breast examination

Typical findings may show firmness and tenderness indicating milk production or changes after delivery.

Empathetic communication

Therapeutic interaction aimed at understanding and acknowledging client feelings.