Health Asses Part 10

Blood Pressure

The measurement of the force of blood against the walls of the arteries, expressed in mm Hg (e.g., 114/70 mm Hg).

Pulse Pressure

The difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings, calculated as 114 mm Hg - 70 mm Hg = 44 mm Hg.

Objective Assessment Data

Information collected through observation and measurement, such as vital signs and physical examination findings.

Tympanic Thermometer

A device used to measure body temperature via the ear, which typically reads slightly higher than oral temperature.

Weak and Thready Pulse

A pulse that is difficult to palpate and indicates potential cardiovascular issues; requires further assessment.

Irregular Pulse

A pulse with an inconsistent rhythm, necessitating auscultation of the apical pulse for further evaluation.

Pain Factors

Elements that contribute to the experience of pain, including physiologic, psychosocial, cutaneous, somatic, and visceral factors.

A-delta Fibers

Nerve fibers that transmit sharp, acute pain sensations, often described as "sharp" or "stabbing."

Chronic Nonmalignant Pain

Pain that persists for at least 3 months and is not associated with cancer.

Cancer Pain Characteristics

Pain associated with cancer that is often chronic and can be caused by factors such as nerve compression.

Primary Pain Assessment

The patient's self-reported pain level is the most critical factor in assessing pain.

Verbal Descriptor Scale

A tool used to assess pain by asking patients to describe their pain using words.

Vital Signs and Pain

An elevated heart rate (e.g., 110 beats per minute) can indicate the presence of pain.

Health Promotion Diagnosis

A nursing diagnosis that focuses on enhancing a patient's well-being in relation to pain management.

Collaborative Problem Documentation

A nursing note that identifies issues related to a patient's pain and its impact on their health.

Poorly Controlled Chronic Pain

Expected assessment findings may include decreased gastric motility and other physiological changes.

Pain Precipitating Factors

Questions aimed at identifying activities or situations that may have worsened the patient's pain.

Family Pain Perception

Understanding how a patient's family treats pain can provide insight into the patient's cultural background and pain management preferences.

Pain Assessment in Older Adults

The most appropriate tool for assessing pain in alert and oriented older adults is the Faces Pain Scale-Revised.

Pain Behavior Indicators

Signs such as slumped posture may suggest that a patient is experiencing pain.

Pain Transmission

Nociceptors are responsible for transmitting pain sensations to the central nervous system.

Excruciating Pain

A term often used to describe severe pain, which may be classified as deep somatic pain.

Pain Dimensions

The sensory dimension evaluates the intensity and quality of pain experienced by the patient.

Initial Pain Assessment Action

The first step in assessing pain should be obtaining a self-report from the patient.

Joint Commission Standards

Identifying pain as the fifth vital sign and assessing it accordingly aligns nursing practice with established standards.

COLDSPA Mnemonic

A method for assessing pain that includes questions about characteristics, onset, location, duration, severity, and pattern of pain.

Pain Assessment Tool for Dementia

The Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R) is suitable for assessing pain in patients with cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer's disease.