Assessment Techniques and Safety in the Clinical Setting

This set of flashcards focuses on key vocabulary related to assessment techniques and safety practices in a clinical setting.

Cultivating Your Senses

The act of using the senses (sight, smell, touch, hearing) in physical examination to obtain data.

Inspection

The first step in physical examination involving close scrutiny of the individual and body systems.

Palpation

The use of touch to assess characteristics such as texture, temperature, and presence of lumps.

Percussion

Tapping the skin to assess underlying structures, mapping location, size, and density of organs.

Auscultation

Listening to the sounds produced by the body using a stethoscope.

Pleximeter

The stationary hand used in percussion; involves hyperextending the middle finger.

Plexor

The striking hand used in percussion, usually the middle finger.

Amplitude

The loudness or softness of a sound during percussion.

Pitch

The frequency of sound measured by the number of vibrations per second.

Quality

The subjective difference in sound, also known as timbre.

Duration

The length of time a sound lingers during examination.

Otoscope

An instrument that funnels light into the ear canal to observe the tympanic membrane.

Ophthalmoscope

An instrument used to illuminate and view the internal structures of the eye.

Hand hygiene

The act of cleaning hands to prevent the spread of microorganisms.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Equipment such as gloves, masks, and face shields used to protect against infection.

Standard precautions

Infection control measures applied to all patients regardless of suspected or confirmed infection.

Bimanual palpation

A palpation technique using both hands to assess certain body parts or organs.

General survey

An overall assessment of a patient's well-being, initiated upon first meeting the person.

Vital signs

Measurements of the body's most basic functions including pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.

Clean field

A designated area for handling clean equipment separately from used equipment to prevent contamination.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; a type of bacteria resistant to many antibiotics.

VRE

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus; bacteria resistant to vancomycin and other antibiotics.

Infection Transmission

The process through which pathogens are transmitted from one individual to another.

Environmental factors

Conditions such as temperature, light, and noise level that affect the examination setting.

Examination gown

A garment provided for patients to wear during a physical examination to maintain privacy.

Developmental competence

Understanding that assessment techniques should vary based on a patient’s developmental stage.

Neurological assessment

Evaluating the nervous system function through tasks like assessing reflexes or sensory functions.

Tuning fork

A tool used in physical examinations to assess hearing and vibratory sensation.

Clean vs. used area

Areas designated for clean and used equipment to ensure hygiene during examinations.

Emotional state of patient

The mental and emotional condition of the patient, which may affect examination comfort.

Initial contact

The first interaction with the patient, often starting with hand contact during examination.

Comfort level

The degree to which a patient feels at ease during an examination, influencing data accuracy.

Mini database

Limited collection of patient data focused on the primary health concern.

Post-examination care

Actions taken after the examination to ensure patient comfort and address findings.