Jarvis chap. 8 Assessment Techniques and Safety in the Clinical Setting

amplitude

(or intensity) how loud or soft a sound is

duration

the length of time a note lingers

ophthalmoscope

an instrument that illuminates the internal eye structures, enabling the examiner to look through the pupil at the fundus (background) of the eye

otoscope

an instrument that illuminates the ear canal, enabling the examiner to look at the ear canal and tympanic membrane

pitch

(or frequency) the number of vibrations (or cycles) per second of a note

quality

(or timbre) a subjective difference in a sound as a result of the sound’s distinctive overtones

inspection

close, careful observation of the individual as a whole and then of each body system

palpation

the use of touch to assess texture, temperature, moisture, organ location, and size

Relate the parts of the hands to palpation techniques used in assessment.

fingertips

fingers and thumb

backs of the hands and fingers

base of the fingers

ulnar surface of the hand

light palpation

detects surface characteristics and accustoms the person to being touched

deep palpation

ssesses an organ or mass deeper in a body cavity

bimanual palpation

the use of both hands to envelop or capture certain body parts or organs

percussion

tapping the patient’s skin with short, sharp strokes to assess underlying structures