Health Assessment Information for Exam I

This flashcard set covers terminology and procedures relevant to health assessment and medical examinations.

Sign

An objective finding observed by a clinician during a medical examination.

Symptom

A subjective experience reported by the patient regarding their health.

Medical history

Comprehensive information about a patient including past medical history, current health status, and family history.

Vital signs

Measurements that provide information about the body's basic functions; includes blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature.

Stethoscope

An instrument used to listen to internal body sounds, particularly in the heart and lungs.

Ophthalmoscope

A device used to examine the interior structures of the eye.

Otoscope

An instrument used to examine the ear canal and eardrum.

Tuning fork

A tool used to assess hearing and vibratory sensation.

Snellen chart

A chart used to measure visual acuity.

Neurological exam

A series of tests to assess the functioning of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Dermatome

An area of skin that is mainly supplied by a single spinal nerve root.

Myotome

A group of muscles that a single spinal nerve root innervates.

DTR

Deep tendon reflexes; a test that measures the reflexes of muscles.

Palpation

The act of examining the body by touch.

Percussion

A technique used to assess internal organs by tapping on the body surface.

Auscultation

Listening to the internal sounds of the body, typically using a stethoscope.

Diagnostic imaging

Techniques used to visualize the interior of the body for clinical analysis.

Diagnostic testing

Tests performed to evaluate a patient's health or identify the presence of disease.

X-ray

A form of electromagnetic radiation used to create images of the body's structures.

Bone scan

An imaging technique to evaluate bone metabolism and detect areas of inflammation.

Fluoroscopy

An imaging technique that uses X-rays to obtain real-time moving images of the interior of the body.

CT scan

Computed Tomography; a diagnostic imaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed images of the body's cross-sections.

PET scan

Positron Emission Tomography; an imaging test that helps reveal how tissues and organs are functioning.

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging; a technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body.

Diagnostic Ultrasound

An imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and structures inside the body.

Colonoscopy

A procedure that uses a scope to examine the inner lining of the colon and rectum.

EMG

Electromyography; a diagnostic procedure that assesses the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them.

Nerve conduction study

A test that measures how quickly electrical signals move through a nerve.

ECG

Electrocardiogram; a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.

Cardiac event monitor

A device used to monitor the heart's activity over a longer period.

Cardiac stress test

A test that evaluates heart function during physical stress.

Urinalysis

A test that examines the appearance, concentration, and content of urine.

Complete blood count

A common blood test that evaluates overall health and detects a variety of disorders.

Lumbar puncture

A medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into the lower back to collect cerebrospinal fluid.

Pulse oximeter

A device that measures blood oxygen levels non-invasively.

Informed consent

A process to ensure that patients understand the risks and benefits before undergoing a procedure.

Preventing infection

Measures taken to reduce the risk of infection during medical procedures.

Universal precautions

A set of guidelines designed to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens.

Aseptic technique

A procedure performed under sterile conditions to prevent contamination.

Sterile field

An area free from all microorganisms to maintain hygiene during procedures.

Adhesive skin tape

A type of tape used to hold dressings in place.

Topical liquid skin adhesives

Substances applied to the skin to close wounds without sutures.

Sutures

Stitches used to close wounds; can be of various materials and types.

After suture care

Instructions on how to care for a protected area after suturing.

Staples

Metal clips used to close wounds, providing secure tissue approximation.

Joint aspirations

A procedure to remove excess fluid from a joint.

Subungual hematoma drainage

The procedure to relieve pain from blood collection under a nail.

Paronychial incision and drainage

A procedure to treat an infection around the nail.

IVs

Intravenous lines used for medication delivery or fluid administration.