Nursing Assessment Techniques

A set of 70 vocabulary flashcards focused on nursing assessment techniques and concepts derived from the lecture notes.

Popliteal Pulse

A pulse located behind the knee, assessing circulation in the lower leg.

Posterior Tibial Pulse

A pulse located behind the ankle, assessing circulation to the foot.

Pedal Pulse

A pulse located on the top of the foot, used to assess blood flow.

Abdominal Assessment Order

The correct order is inspection, auscultation, palpation, and finally percussion.

Tympanic Membrane Assessment

The nurse should pull the ear up and back to visualize the tympanic membrane.

Cranial Nerve for Vision

The cranial nerve associated with vision is the optic nerve (Cranial nerve II).

Auscultate Apical Pulse Location

The apical pulse is best auscultated at the left midclavicular line in the 5th intercostal space.

Accommodation Response

Pupils should constrict as an object moves closer to the nose.

Cranial Nerve for Shoulder Raising

The accessory nerve (Cranial nerve XI) is assessed when a patient raises their shoulders against resistance.

Cardiac Anatomy Auscultation

Portions of cardiac anatomy can be best auscultated at the left sternal border.

Graphesthesia Assessment

Graphesthesia is assessed by having a patient identify a number or letter traced on their skin.

Low-Pitched Booming Sound

This sound, heard during percussion over a lung field, is called 'hyperresonance'.

Turbulent Blood Flow Indicator

A bruit indicates turbulent blood flow.

Fluid-Filled Skin Measurement

An elevated skin lesion that measures greater than one centimeter is called a bulla.

Findings of a Normal Lymph Node

Normal lymph nodes are nonpalpable and non-tender.

Superficial Lesions Description

Superficial lesions related to allergic reactions or insect bites are commonly referred to as wheals.

Inspection

A physical examination technique that involves visual observation of the patient.

Auscultation

Listening to the internal sounds of the body, typically using a stethoscope.

Percussion

A technique used to assess the density of body tissues by tapping.

Palpation

The examination of the body through touch to assess for tenderness or abnormalities.

Cranial Nerve II

Optic nerve, responsible for vision.

Cranial Nerve XI

Accessory nerve, responsible for shoulder elevation.

Intercostal Space

The space between two ribs, important for locating auscultation points.

Midclavicular Line

An imaginary line that runs vertically through the midpoint of the clavicle.

Pupil Reaction to Light

Pupils constrict when exposed to light; this is a reflex action.

Respiratory Auscultation Areas

Auscultation of breath sounds should include anterior and posterior thorax.

Cardiac Auscultation Areas

Auscultation of heart sounds typically includes the aortic, pulmonic, and mitral areas.

Bruit

A loud sound produced by turbulent blood flow during auscultation.

Non-Tender Lymph Node Description

A non-tender lymph node indicates that it is not inflamed or infected.

Allergic Reaction Assessment

Assessing for wheals, erythema, or pruritus can indicate an allergic reaction.

Anomalous Lung Sounds

Unusual lung sounds such as wheezes or crackles can indicate respiratory issues.

Cardiac Function Assessment

Evaluating heart sounds helps determine cardiac function and health.

Fluid Filled Lesion

A blister or bulla that contains fluid and is raised above the skin.

Lymphatic System Function

The lymphatic system helps filter and transport lymph, comprising lymph nodes.

Erythema

Redness of the skin, often due to inflammation or infection.

Papule

A small, raised, solid pimple or swelling, often part of a rash.

Vesicle

A small fluid-filled sac, typically found in skin lesions.

Assessment Techniques

Methods that include inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.

Clinical Skills

Practical skills used by nurses to assess and evaluate patient health.

Diagnostics

Tests and assessments performed to identify health conditions.

Patient Documentation

Recording patient assessments, findings, and care in medical records.

Health History Assessment

Gathering comprehensive information about the patient’s past and current health.

Vital Signs Assessment

Measuring blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature.

Anatomical Terms

Terms used to describe locations and positions of the body's structures.

Functional Assessment

Evaluating a patient’s ability to perform daily activities.

Neurological Assessment

Evaluating a patient's neurological function, including sensory and motor skills.

Integumentary Assessment

Examining the skin, hair, and nails for health and abnormalities.

Pulmonary Assessment

Evaluating lung function and respiratory health.

Cardiovascular Assessment

Assessing heart function and blood circulation.

Gastrointestinal Assessment

Evaluating the abdomen and digestive system function.