Assessment Techniques and Safety in the Clinical Setting

A collection of 90 vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and definitions from the lecture on Assessment Techniques and Safety in the Clinical Setting.

License Loss

Registered Nurses can lose their license by failing to follow laws or codes of ethics.

Physical Assessment

A method of gathering data through examining one side of the body and comparing it to the other.

Inspection

A physical examination technique that involves visually assessing the body.

Palpation

The process of using touch to examine the body during a physical assessment.

Percussion

A technique in physical examination where a finger strikes the body to assess the underlying structures.

Auscultation

Listening to internal body sounds, typically using a stethoscope, as part of a physical assessment.

Cultivating Your Senses

The use of sight, smell, touch, and hearing in physical examination to gather data.

Technical Skills

Skills required to effectively perform a physical examination.

Safety in Clinical Setting

Ensuring a safe environment to minimize risks during physical assessments.

Lungs Normal Sounds

Typical sounds heard when auscultating the lungs, indicative of healthy function.

Abdomen Normal

A soft, tympanic sound expected during percussion of a healthy abdomen.

Amplitude

The loudness or intensity of a sound during auscultation.

Pitch

The frequency of a sound, determined by the number of vibrations per second.

Quality

The subjective difference in sound heard during auscultation, often described as timbre.

Duration

The length of time a sound lingers while auscultating.

Clean Field

A designated clean area for handling medical equipment during assessments.

Standard Equipment

Basic tools required for conducting a screening physical examination.

Hand Hygiene

The practice of cleaning hands before and after patient care to prevent infection.

Protective Equipment

Gear worn to protect healthcare workers from exposure to infectious materials.

Vital Signs Measurement

Assessed using tools like a stethoscope, sphygmomanometer, and thermometer.

Otoscope

An instrument used to look into the ears during a physical examination.

Ophthalmoscope

An instrument used to examine the interior of the eyes.

Penlight

A small flashlight used to illuminate dark areas in examinations.

Skinfold Calipers

Tools used to measure the thickness of skinfolds for body fat assessment.

Nasal Speculum

An instrument used to widen the nasal passage for examination.

Tongue Depressor

A tool used to flatten the tongue for oral examination.

Flexible Tape Measure

A device used to measure dimensional aspects of a patient's body.

Reflex Hammer

An instrument used to test deep tendon reflexes during a neurological examination.

Sterilizing Equipment

Process of cleaning instruments to eliminate potential pathogens.

Infection Transmission

The spread of infectious agents which can occur in clinical environments.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria resistant to several antibiotics.

VRE

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, a type of resistant bacteria.

Handwashing

The most effective method for reducing the spread of infections.

Standard Precautions

Infection control practices used for all patients, regardless of infection status.

Transmission-based Precautions

Infection control methods that are applied based on the route of transmission.

Emotional State Impact

The influence of both the clinician's and patient's emotional state on the examination process.

Developmental Competence

Recognition of variations in assessment techniques based on the patient's age and development.

Patient Comfort

The priority of adapting examination techniques to maintain the patient’s comfort.

Skin Characteristics

Features such as color, texture, and presence of lesions assessed during skin examination.

Skin Color Sources

Variations in skin color arise from melanin, carotene, and underlying vascular tones.

Nail Anatomy

Components of nails including the nail plate, matrix, and cuticle.

Pregnant Woman Skin Changes

Increased metabolism and hormonal changes leading to skin alterations.

Objective Data Preparation

Controlling variables that can affect skin assessments.

Common Skin Lesions

Frequent dermatological conditions observed during examinations.

Vascular Lesions Examples

Conditions such as hemangiomas, telangiectasia, and purpuric lesions.

Gyrate Lesions

Lesions that are twisted or coiled in shape.

Annular Lesions

Circular lesions that begin in the center and spread outward.

Pustule

A small, inflamed elevation of the skin containing pus.

Vesicle and Bulla Differences

Both are fluid-filled lesions; vesicles are smaller than 1 cm and bullae larger.

Ulcer Definition

A deeper skin lesion that extends into the dermis and may bleed.

Keloid Formation

An overgrowth of scar tissue occurring at the site of an injury.

Excoriation

A self-inflicted abrasion on the skin.

Atrophic Scar

A type of scar that is depressed due to loss of tissue.

Lesions Recognition

The process of identifying skin abnormalities by inspection and palpation.

Secondary Skin Changes

Alterations in the skin that occur post-injury or irritation.

Debris on Skin Surfaces

Materials such as crust or scale left on the skin due to various processes.

Clubbed Nails

Nails that are curved and significantly thickened, often indicative of systemic issues.

Color Changes in Skin

Observations of pallor, cyanosis, and jaundice dependent on underlying conditions.

Malignant Skin Lesions

Types of skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Pediculosis Capitis

A condition caused by head lice infestation.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

A common skin condition that causes scaly patches and red skin.

Tinea Capitis

A fungal infection of the scalp, also known as ringworm.

Traction Alopecia

Hair loss due to pulling or tension on hair shafts.

Common Skin Lesions in Children

Includes diaper dermatitis, impetigo, and eczema.

Skin Assessment Lighting

Utilizing strong direct lighting for legitimate skin evaluations.

Clinical Setting General Approach

The consideration of patient anxiety and comfort during assessments.

Equipment Specificity

Certain examinations may require specific tools to yield accurate results.

Physical Assessment Order

A systematic approach to assessing a patient, from inspection to auscultation.

Assessment for Older Adults

Alteration in assessment approaches for elderly patients due to physiological changes.

Role of Equipment Sterilization

Critical in preventing the transmission of infections during clinical practice.

Clinical Setting Comfort

Ensures that the examination room is warm, quiet, and well-lit.

Nursing Precautions for HIV Patients

The necessity of appropriate protective measures with all patients, regardless of status.

Clinical Documentation

Proper recording of findings and observations during a physical examination.