Health Assessment: Nursing Assessment of Physical Systems

A comprehensive set of flashcards focusing on terminology and concepts related to health assessment and nursing evaluation of physical systems.

Nursing Assessment

A systematic approach to evaluating the physical health of patients by examining various aspects of their bodily systems.

Physical Assessment

An evaluation of the body that includes inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation to gather information about a patient's health status.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin indicating insufficient oxygen in the blood, often seen in the perioral area and extremities.

Pallor

Abnormal paleness of the skin, often indicating anemia or decreased blood circulation.

Jaundice

A yellowing of the skin and eyes due to a buildup of bilirubin, commonly associated with liver disorders.

Rash

A noticeable change in the texture or color of the skin, often indicating an underlying condition or infection.

Albinism

A genetic condition characterized by a lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes.

Erythema

Redness of the skin, often resulting from inflammation, infection, or allergic reaction.

Pressure Ulcer

Injury to the skin and underlying tissue, typically over a bony prominence, due to prolonged pressure.

Sole

The undersurface of the foot that is often subjected to pressure during sitting and standing.

Papule

An elevated, solid skin lesion typically less than 0.5 cm in diameter.

Plaque

An elevated, solid skin lesion greater than 0.5 cm, often formed by conjoined papules.

Nodule

A solid, palpable mass extending deeper into the dermis, typically 0.5 to 2 cm in diameter.

Tumor

An abnormal growth of tissue, which may be benign or malignant, larger than 2 cm.

Vesicle

A small, fluid-filled blister less than 0.5 cm in diameter.

Bulla

A larger fluid-filled blister greater than 0.5 cm in diameter.

Wheal

An elevated, transient lesion often caused by an allergic reaction, presenting with irregular borders.

Pustule

A pus-filled vesicle or bulla, indicative of infection or inflammation.

Cyst

A closed sac filled with fluid or semisolid material, commonly found in subcutaneous tissues.

Erosion

Loss of superficial epidermis, creating a moist area that does not extend into the dermis.

Ulcer

Deeper skin loss extending beyond the epidermis into the dermis, often resulting in necrotic tissue.

Scar (Cicatrix)

A mark left on the skin after a wound has healed, representing replacement by connective tissue.

Fissure

A linear crack in the skin that may extend to the dermis, often caused by dryness or irritation.

Telangiectasis

Superficial dilated veins causing a spider-like appearance on the skin, often seen in aging.

Petechia

Small, round red or purple macules less than 2 mm, caused by minor bleeding from capillaries.

Ecchymosis

A larger bruise resulting from bleeding under the skin, with varying color changes over time.

Hematoma

A localized collection of blood outside blood vessels, often due to injury, causing a swelling.

Cherry Angioma

A benign, small, raised red or purple spot on the skin, often associated with aging.

Spider Angioma

A vascular lesion characterized by a central red spot with radiating branches, often associated with liver disease.

Acne

A skin condition characterized by the presence of pimples, blackheads, and cysts due to clogged hair follicles.

Tinnitus

A ringing in the ears that can be caused by various health conditions, including exposure to loud noises.

Vertigo

A sensation of spinning or dizziness, typically related to inner ear problems.

Presbycusis

Age-related hearing loss that typically affects high frequencies and is common in older adults.

Koplik's Spots

Small, white lesions inside the mouth that are a characteristic sign of measles.

Thrush

A fungal infection in the mouth caused by Candida, resulting in white patches that can bleed when scraped.

Hypoxia

A deficiency of oxygen in the tissues, which can be indicated by cyanosis of the lips and fingertips.

Nasal Polyps

Soft, painless growths on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses that can block airflow.

Epistaxis

Nosebleed, often due to trauma, irritation, or dryness.

Pharyngitis

Inflammation of the throat, usually presenting with a red, swollen throat and possible exudate.

Lymphadenopathy

Enlarged lymph nodes due to infection, malignancy, or autoimmune diseases.

Otitis Media

Middle ear infection marked by ear pain and fluid accumulation.

Otitis Externa

Infection of the outer ear canal, often presenting with redness and swelling.

Auscultation

Listening to internal sounds of the body, particularly to assess the heart and lungs.

Distant Visual Acuity

The clarity of vision at a distance, typically tested using a Snellen chart.

Near Visual Acuity

The clarity of close-up vision, often tested with a handheld vision chart.

Corneal Reflex

The involuntary blinking of the eyelids in response to stimulation of the cornea.

Accommodation

The ability of the eye to change its focus from distant to near objects.

Myopia

Nearsightedness, where distant objects appear blurry.

Hyperopia

Farsightedness, where close objects appear blurry.

Astigmatism

A refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, leading to blurred vision.

Exophthalmos

Protrusion of the eyeball, often associated with Graves' disease.

Serous Otitis Media

Accumulation of fluid in the middle ear without infection, indicated by a yellowish bulging membrane.

Transillumination

A technique to check for fluid in the sinuses by shining light and observing the glow.

Rinne Test

A hearing test comparing air conduction and bone conduction to assess hearing loss.

Weber Test

A hearing test that evaluates sound conduction through bone to determine type of hearing loss.

Lymph Nodes

Small structures of the lymphatic system that filter lymph and are involved in immune responses.

Palpation

The examination of the body using the sense of touch to assess size, shape, firmness, and location.

Inspection

A careful visual examination of the body, especially to detect any abnormalities.

Abnormal Findings

Unusual results or observations noted during a physical examination that may indicate a health issue.

Assessment Techniques

Methods used in physical examination, including inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.

Skin Lesions

Any abnormal change in the structure of skin tissue, which can indicate various health conditions.

Primary Skin Lesions

Lesions that arise from normal skin due to irritation or disease, such as macules and papules.

Secondary Skin Lesions

Changes that occur in primary lesions, including scarring or crusting.

Illness History

A detailed account of a patient's previous medical history and present conditions that inform the assessment.

Patient Interview

The process of gathering information from a patient regarding their health and medical history.

Normal Findings

Expected results or observations that indicate no abnormalities during a physical examination.

Therapeutic Communication

An intentional process used by healthcare providers to support and understand the patient.

Health History

A record of past medical events that could impact present health, including family and social history.

Nutritional Assessment

Evaluation of a patient's nutritional status and dietary habits to determine its impact on health.

Exercise Tolerance

The capacity of a patient to perform physical activity without excessive fatigue or distress.

Vital Signs

Clinical measurements, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, indicating the body's basic functions.

Auscultation of Heart Sounds

Listening to the heart using a stethoscope to assess heart rate and rhythm.

Bronchial Sounds

Normal breath sounds heard over the trachea and main bronchi, characterized by a high pitch.

Vesicular Breath Sounds

Normal lung sounds that are low pitched and heard over the lung periphery.

Bowel Sounds

Audible sounds produced by the digestive system during the process of digestion.

Lung Examination

Assessment of lung function and health through various techniques including auscultation and palpation.

Cognitive Assessment

Evaluation of a patient's cognitive function and mental status.

Pain Assessment

The process of evaluating a patient's pain levels, characteristics, and impact on quality of life.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

A blood clot in a deep vein, commonly in the legs, which can cause swelling and pain.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

A blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by blood clots.

Cardiovascular Assessment

Evaluation of heart health, including the assessment of heart sounds, blood pressure, and circulation.

Skin Turgor

The skin's elasticity and hydration level, assessed by pinching the skin and observing its return to normal.

Fluid Balance

The equilibrium between fluid intake and output, important for maintaining hydration.

Ophthalmic Assessment

Evaluation of eye health and function, including visual acuity and external structures.

Ear Assessment

Evaluation of ear structures, hearing ability, and any signs of infection or abnormality.

Head and Neck Assessment

A physical examination focused on the structures of the head and neck, including lymph nodes and thyroid.

Cognitive Abilities

The mental capabilities that help in problem-solving, decision-making, and reasoning.

Emergency Assessment

Rapid evaluation of a patient in acute distress, focusing on critical life-threatening conditions.

Follow-up Assessment

Subsequent evaluations after initial patient assessment to monitor the progress and effectiveness of treatment.

Intervention Planning

The process of prioritizing care initiatives based on assessment findings and patient needs.

Patient-Specific Assessment

Tailored evaluations that consider unique patient conditions and circumstances.

Outcome Evaluation

The assessment of results following treatment to determine the effectiveness of interventions.

Holistic Assessment

Comprehensive evaluation that addresses physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health.

Science of Nursing

The application of scientific principles and research-based practice to provide effective patient care.

Clinical Guidelines

Systematic recommendations based on evidence to guide clinical decision-making.

Research in Nursing

The systematic investigation to establish facts, principles, or generalizable knowledge relevant to nursing.

Health Promotion

Activities aimed at improving health and preventing disease through education and lifestyle changes.

Patient Education

Informing and guiding patients about health management and preventive care strategies.

Cultural Competence

The ability to understand, respect, and effectively interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Professional Development

Continuous education and skill enhancement to improve nursing practice and patient care.