Head-to-Toe Assessment - Vocabulary Flashcards (Video Notes)

A vocabulary-focused set of flashcards covering the key concepts mentioned in the Head-to-Toe Assessment video notes, including communication, cultural considerations, pain assessment, orientation, cranial nerves, and basic head-to-toe examination concepts.

Head-to-Toe Assessment

A systematic physical health examination conducted from the head down to the toes to identify clinical findings.

Verbal Communication

Using spoken language to convey information between the caregiver and patient.

Nonverbal Communication

Messages sent through body language, facial expressions, posture, and eye contact rather than words.

Cultural Competency

The ability to interact effectively with people from diverse cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds.

Lifestyles and Religious Beliefs

Cultural factors and beliefs that influence health practices and care preferences.

Hand Hygiene

Handwashing or sanitizer use to reduce the spread of pathogens before patient contact.

Patient Identifiers

Information used to confirm a patient’s identity, such as name and date of birth.

Preferred Name

The name a patient prefers to be called.

Pain Provocation

Factors that trigger or relieve pain to help identify its cause.

Pain Quality

The character of pain (e.g., sharp, dull, throbbing) as described by the patient.

Pain Region

Location of pain and whether it spreads or radiates.

Pain Severity

Pain intensity on a scale, typically 0 to 10.

Pain Timing

Onset, duration, and frequency of pain.

Analgesia Timing Before Assessment

Consideration of giving pain relief prior to completing a head-to-toe assessment if prescribed.

Orientation

Awareness of person, place, and time.

Orientation: 4 Key Questions

Common questions to assess orientation: name, date of birth, location, and current date.

Pinna

Outer ear; part of the ear anatomy inspected during head/ear assessment.

Whisper Test

A quick hearing check in which a whispered word or number is repeated back.

Lymph Nodes

Nodes checked around the head and neck for enlargement or tenderness.

Thyroid

Gland in the neck palpated for size and irregularities during head assessment.

Olfactory Nerve (CN I)

Sense of smell.

Optic Nerve (CN II)

Vision-related nerve; assessed with Snellen chart and visual fields.

Oculomotor Nerve (CN III)

Eye movement and pupil response (PERRLA: pupils are Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation).

Trochlear Nerve (CN IV)

Eye movement downward and inward; tested with 6 cardinal gazes.

Trigeminal Nerve (CN V)

Chewing ability and facial sensation.

Abducens Nerve (CN VI)

Eye movement, especially lateral, tested with 6 cardinal gazes.

Facial Nerve (CN VII)

Facial expressions and symmetry (smile, frown, raise brows).

Vestibulocochlear Nerve (CN VIII)

Hearing and balance; assessed with whisper test and gait observation.

Glossopharyngeal Nerve (CN IX)

Gag reflex and swallowing; say Ahh to observe the soft palate.

Vagus Nerve (CN X)

Swallowing and sensation of pharynx/larynx; also has widespread parasympathetic roles.

Spinal Accessory Nerve (CN XI)

Shoulder shrug and head rotation.

Hypoglossal Nerve (CN XII)

Tongue movement and speech.