Clinical and Physical Assessment Flashcards

A comprehensive vocabulary review of clinical examination concepts, special physical tests, red flag signs, diagnostic steps, and assessment techniques across neurological, respiratory, abdominal, and musculoskeletal systems.

Twelve Cranial Nerves

The twelve pairs of cranial nerves evaluated during a neuro assessment: 1-olfactory, 2-optic, 3-oculomotor, 4-trochlear, 5-trigeminal, 6-abducens, 7-facial, 8-vestibular cochlear, 9-glossopharyngeal, 10-vagus, 11-accessory, and 12-hypoglossal.

Cerebellum Tests

Physical examination tests used to evaluate cerebellar function, specifically dysdiadochokinesis and past pointing.

Romberg’s

A balance test used to evaluate CN XIII and the cerebellum.

BEFAST

An assessment tool and set of components used to evaluate patients presenting with suspected CVA or TIA.

Dysphasia

Problems with articulation.

Diplopia

Double vision.

Dysarthria

Slurred speech.

Anaesthesia

Loss of feeling.

Dysphagia

Problems swallowing.

Paraesthesia

Altered sensation.

Photophobia

Sensitivity to light.

Paraesis

Weakness.

Paralysis

Loss of motor function.

Neurological Red Flags

Critical symptoms including severe thunderclap headache, seizures, persistent headache, reduced LOC, headache isolated to the vertex (top of head), visual disturbances, vomiting $>1$ occasion for adults, headache with atypical aura (aura $>60\,\text{minutes}$), new onset headache in patients $<10\,\text{yrs}$ or $>50\,\text{yrs}$, fever, history of malignancy, focal neuro deficit, and altered behaviour.

IPPA (Respiratory)

The thorough respiratory physical assessment sequence performed on both the front and back: Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, and Auscultation.

Respiratory Special Tests

Clinical maneuvers performed during respiratory assessment to identify specific findings: Whispering Pectoriloquy, Tactile Vocal Fremitus, and Asterixis.

Signs of Respiratory Distress in a Child

Observable clinical signs including head bobbing, grunting, recession (intercostal, supramanubrial, or supraclavicular), nasal flaring, cyanosis, and glaring eyes.

V4R

An ECG modification used only when seeing inferior ST elevation in lead II, lead III, and aVF; involves moving lead V4 to the opposite side at the same anatomical location and repeating the ECG to look for new ST elevation in V4(R).

IAPP (Abdominal)

The abdominal physical assessment sequence (Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation) performed thoroughly across nine segments rather than four quadrants.

Nine Abdominal Segments

The anatomical regions examined and documented during abdominal assessment: Epigastric, L&R Hypochondrium, Umbilical, L&R Lumbar, Suprapubic/Hypogastric, and L&R Iliac.

Obturator Sign, Psoas Sign, Rovsing’s Sign, and Blumberg’s Sign (at McBurney’s point)

Special abdominal physical examination tests used to detect appendicitis.

Murphy’s Sign

A special physical examination test used to assess for cholecystitis.

Lloyd’s Test

A special physical examination test used to assess for kidney stones.

Shifting Dullness and Fluid Wave

Special physical examination tests used to identify ascites.

Four Types of Sling

Immobilization slings comprising the Broad arm sling, High arm sling (elevation sling), collar and cuff, and modified broad arm sling (used for relocated shoulder dislocations).

Order of Limb or Wound Assessment

The correct sequence for conducting a thorough limb or wound assessment: LOOK, FEEL, MOVE.

Order of Limb Movement Assessment

The correct sequence for evaluating limb movement: ACTIVE, PASSIVE, RESISTIVE.

Directional Terms (Wound Location)

Standard anatomical terms used to describe wound location: Inferior, Superior, Anterior, Posterior, Distal, Proximal, Lateral, Medial, Dorsal, and Volar/Palmar/Plantar.