General Survey and Measurement

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and definitions related to the general survey and measurement of individuals in a health assessment context.

General Survey

A study of the whole person that provides an overall impression of general health and physical characteristics.

Objective Parameters

Parameters that apply to the whole body in a general survey.

Physical Appearance

Observations including age, sex, level of consciousness, skin color, facial features, and overall appearance during assessment.

Stature

The height of a person, which should appear within the normal range for age and genetic heritage.

Nutrition

The assessment of weight in relation to height and body build, with even body fat distribution.

Symmetry

The equality of body parts bilaterally and their relative proportions.

Posture

The position in which a person stands, which should be comfortable and appropriate for age.

Mobility

Aspects of movement including gait, foot placement, range of motion, and involuntary movements.

Gait

The manner of walking, typically the base is as wide as shoulder width.

Foot Placement

The accuracy of a person's walking pattern, indicating smooth and even walking.

Range of Motion

The ability of joints to move through their full mobility, ideally smooth and coordinated.

Behavior Assessment

Evaluates facial expression, mood, speech, dress, and personal hygiene.

Facial Expression

The ability to maintain eye contact and show appropriate expressions.

Speech

The clarity and understandability of a person’s spoken words.

Word Choice

The appropriateness of the language used, reflecting a person's culture and education.

Culturally Appropriate Dress

Clothing that fits cultural expectations and is clean and suitable for the individual's age.

Personal Hygiene

The appearance of cleanliness and grooming in relation to age and occupation.

Weight Measurement

Measurement of body weight using a standardized scale, instructed to adjust for clothing.

Body Mass Index

A marker of optimal weight for height, indicating obesity or malnutrition.

Waist Circumference

Measurement used to assess body fat distribution and health risk.

Hip Circumference

Measured at the largest circumference of the buttocks to evaluate body fat.

Developmental Competence

Assessment of general survey in relation to age and developmental ability.

Growth Charts

CDC growth charts for assessing physical growth in infants and children.

Aging Adults

Normal changes observed in posture and gait as a result of aging.

Dwarfism

A condition resulting in shorter stature than normal.

Hypopituitary Dwarfism

Dwarfism resulting from insufficient growth hormone.

Achondroplastic Dwarfism

A genetic disorder leading to disproportionate dwarfism.

Gigantism

Excessive growth due to overproduction of growth hormone during childhood.

Acromegaly

Condition caused by excess growth hormone in adulthood, leading to enlarged limbs and features.

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight.

Bulimia Nervosa

An eating disorder marked by binge eating followed by purging.

Cushing’s Syndrome

A condition resulting from excessive cortisol production, leading to weight gain.

Marfan Syndrome

A genetic disorder affecting connective tissue, resulting in tall stature and long limbs.