Health Assessment Concepts and Nursing Practice

Vocabulary flashcards covering the fundamental concepts, techniques, and system-specific assessments outlined in the Health Assessment curriculum.

Health Assessment

A core process in general nursing practice that includes health concepts, assessment, data collection, and diagnosis.

Problem oriented approach

A specific method used to document health assessment data.

Health History

A systematic record that describes patient content and format, including positive findings and comprehensive reproductive history.

Therapeutic communication

A set of interaction skills used during patient interviews and clinical feedback sessions.

Physical Examination (PE)

A process utilizing specific equipment and techniques like inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation to assess a client.

Inspection

One of the four appropriate types of techniques used during a physical examination.

Palpation

A physical examination technique used to assess systems such as the abdomen, skin, head, and neck.

Percussion

A technique in physical examination used to evaluate body structures by tapping.

Auscultation

A physical examination technique used to listen to internal body sounds.

General Survey

The procedure and sequence for performing the initial general assessment of a client.

Structural landmarks

Anatomical points of reference specifically identified for the assessment of the nose, mouth, and pharynx.

Rectal examination

A specific component of the assessment of the abdomen, anus, and rectum.

Axillary nodes

Lymphatic structures included in the physical examination of the breast.

Reproductive history

A comprehensive component of the health history obtained during the assessment of the breast, axilla, and genitalia.

Age related changes

Differences in assessment findings and characteristics occurring in the skin, head, neck, and abdomen due to the aging process.