Assessment Techniques and Safety in the Clinical Setting

These flashcards cover essential concepts, definitions, and techniques related to assessment and safety in clinical settings, as outlined in Chapter 8.

Inspection

The process of careful examination of a person as a whole and then each body system, starting with good lighting and adequate exposure. Use pen light

Palpation

A technique that uses the sense of touch to assess texture, temperature, moisture, location and size of organs, swelling, tenderness, and more.

Percussion

Tapping on the skin with short, sharp strokes to assess underlying structures and their density.

Auscultation

The act of listening to sounds produced by the body using a stethoscope, important for detecting bodily functions.

Standard precautions

A set of infection control practices used to prevent transmission of diseases in healthcare settings, including hand hygiene and use of PPE.

Hand hygiene

The practice of washing hands to prevent the spread of microorganisms, crucial before and after patient contact.

Vital signs

Basic medical measurements that include temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, important for assessing health.