Physical/Health Assessments Exam Review

These flashcards summarize key concepts from the Physical/Health Assessments lecture notes, covering vital health assessment knowledge, nursing responsibilities, infection control, and physiological measurements.

Health Assessment

Collection of OBJECTIVE data; client is primary source.

Privacy and Respect in Health Assessment

Primary concerns when conducting health assessments.

Supine Position

Laying down flat on the back.

Prone Position

Laying down on stomach, head turned to the side.

High Fowler's Position

Sitting upright at 90 degrees.

Erythema

Redness of the skin.

Cyanosis

Bluish skin indicating decreased oxygenation.

Jaundice

Yellowish skin indicating increased bilirubin levels, often due to liver disease.

Pallor

Paleness of the skin, which can indicate anemia, shock, or decreased blood volume.

Lethargic

State where a person is drowsy or asleep but can be aroused with gentle shaking.

Glasgow Coma Scale

Assessment tool used to measure level of consciousness.

Skin Turgor

Test for dehydration; normal refill is less than 3 seconds.

PERRLA

Pupils equal, round, reactive to light and accommodation.

Wheezing

High-pitched sound due to narrowing of the airway, often associated with asthma.

Rhonchi

Low-pitched snoring sounds that clear with coughing.

Kyphosis

Increased dorsal spinal curve common in older adults, increasing risk for pneumonia.

Bowel Sounds

Sounds produced by the movement of the intestines; normal range is 5–34 seconds in each quadrant.

Hyperactive Bowel Sounds

Indicates diarrhea or possible C. diff infection.

Hypoactive Bowel Sounds

May indicate constipation or post-surgery condition.

SMART Goals

Goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-framed.

5 Rights of Delegation

Right task, right circumstance, right person, right direction, right supervision.

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; protects patient privacy.

QSEN

Quality and Safety Education for Nurses; focuses on patient-centered care and safety.

Chain of Infection

Sequence including Agent, Reservoir, Portal of Exit, Transmission, Portal of Entry, and Host.

Asepsis

Medical asepsis (clean technique) vs. sterile technique (kills all microorganisms).

Vital Signs

Indicators of health including temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.

Orthostatic Hypotension

Drop in blood pressure when changing positions.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

A framework for understanding human motivation and prioritization of needs.