Chapter 35: The Physical Exam Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering examination techniques, body systems evaluations, acronyms, and procedures from Chapter 35: The Physical Exam.

Complete Physical Examination (CPE)

An examination that determines a patient's general state of health and well-being, covering major organs and body systems.

Gowns and drapes are usually stored where?

In the table drawers

Table paper is supplied in a roll that is inserted on a dowel at what part of the table?

Under the head part of the table

Which position would be used to examine the patient's abdominal organs?

Supine

Positions frequently used in a critical care facility & by EMS personnel trauma,hemorrhage,&dangerous low blood pressure

Trendelenburg

The primary use of this position is for vaginal examinations when a speculum is inserted, as when obtaining Pap smears.

Lithotomy

The lateral recumbent position is another term that may be used to describe which of the following positions?

Sims

Which position would be used if a patient experiences or has symptoms of syncope?

Trendelenburg

Horizontal recumbent/supine position is used for exams & treatment of the breasts & abdominal organs & the__ of the body

Anterior

Which position would be used for patients with respiratory or cardiovascular problems?

Fowler's

When transferring a patient from a wheelchair to the examination table, you should always use this safety device

Gait belt

Which items/surfaces should be disinfected following a patient exam?

All surfaces within the room that could be potentially contaminated

When placing the patient in the horizontal recumbent position, you should drape the patient from the

Neck to the feet

Inspection

A physical examination technique using sight to observe appearance, skin, posture, gait, injuries, deformities, and orientation.

Palpation

A physical examination technique using touch to assess temperature, size, shape, masses, tenderness, rigidity, and pulses.

Percussion

A physical examination technique using tapping to produce sounds that evaluate the size, density, and location of underlying organs.

Auscultation

A physical examination technique using listening to evaluate heart, lungs, bowel sounds, bruits, murmurs, and other body sounds.

Mensuration

A physical examination technique using measurement to determine height, weight, head, chest, extremities, and other body metrics.

Manipulation

A physical examination technique using movement to perform passive joint movement and evaluate flexion, extension, and range of motion.

IPPAMM

A memory trick representing the six physical examination techniques: Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Mensuration, and Manipulation.

Skin Turgor

A assessment where pinching the skin and observing its return to normal provides an estimate of patient hydration.

Bruit

An abnormal sound associated with the blockage of an artery, commonly auscultated in the carotid arteries.

PERRLA

An acronym standing for Pupils Equal, Round, and Respond to Light and Accommodation.

Tympanic Membrane

The structure of the ear inspected during an ear examination, which should appear pearly gray.

Forced Vital Capacity

A spirometry test component involving forced inhalation followed by quick, complete exhalation to measure lung capacity.

Abdominal Examination Order

The clinical rule that auscultation must be performed FIRST during an abdominal exam because palpation and percussion can alter bowel sounds.

Nine Abdominal Regions

Anatomical divisions consisting of Right hypochondriac, Epigastric, Left hypochondriac, Right lumbar, Umbilical, Left lumbar, Right iliac, Hypogastric, and Left iliac.

Guaiac Test Paper

Diagnostic paper used to test stool specimens for occult blood during rectal examinations.

Lithotomy Position

The patient positioning used for female genitourinary and rectal examinations.

Bimanual Examination

An examination method using two internal fingers while the other hand performs deep external palpation.

Ulnar Nerve Function Test

A muscle strength evaluation performed by having the patient abduct fingers against resistance.

Reflex Testing

Evaluation of biceps, triceps, patellar, Achilles, and plantar responses using a percussion hammer to test sensory nerves, spinal cord synapses, motor nerves, and muscles.

Romberg Balance Test

A coordination test where the patient stands with feet together, first with eyes open and then closed, while the MA remains close to prevent falling.

R/O

Abbreviation for 'rule out,' indicating that current evidence is not yet conclusive for a diagnosis.