Nursing Communication and Assessment Techniques

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from nursing communication and assessment techniques, focusing on various patient interactions, data collection methods, and care considerations across different demographics.

Subjective Data

Information that comes from what the patient says.

Objective Data

Information that comes from what you observe or measure.

Interpreter

A trained individual who facilitates communication between parties who speak different languages.

Assessment

The first step in the nursing process; involves collecting data about a patient's health status.

Diagnosis

The identification of a health problem based on assessment data.

Planning

Developing a strategy to address the diagnosed health problem.

Implementation

Carrying out the nursing interventions as planned.

Evaluation

Determining if the interventions implemented were effective.

Empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

Cultural Sensitivity

Awareness and respect for cultural differences in health care.

Spiritual Distress

A disruption in the spiritual aspect of a person's life often associated with health issues.

Hyperactive Bowel Sounds

Bowel sounds that are loud, high-pitched, and frequent, often indicating increased motility.

Hypoactive Bowel Sounds

Bowel sounds that are decreased or absent, indicating reduced bowel activity.

Aging Communication Challenges

Communication with older adults may take longer due to extensive health histories.

Tactile Fremitus

The vibration felt on the chest wall when a patient speaks, used to assess lung conditions.

Barrel Chest

A condition of the chest seen in chronic lung diseases where the chest appears enlarged.

Palpation

The use of hands to feel the body for medical examination.

Wheezing

A high-pitched whistling sound made during breathing, often associated with asthma.

Crackles

Sounds in the lungs that indicate fluid in the airways.

Diaphragm (Stethoscope)

A part of the stethoscope used to listen to high-frequency sounds, such as lung sounds.

Capillary Refill

A test to assess circulation; involves pressing on the nail bed and timing how long it takes to return to normal color.

Dull Ache

A continuous, mild pain that may indicate underlying health issues.

Colostrum

The first form of milk produced by mammals immediately following delivery, rich in nutrients.

Lymph Nodes

Small structures that filter lymph and are important for immune response.

Vertical Strip Pattern

The recommended method for conducting a breast self-exam.

Testicular Exam

A self-examination for detecting abnormalities in the testicles.

Asymmetrical Breasts

Breasts that are not identical in size or shape, which is usually normal.

Nipple Inversion

A condition where the nipple is retracted into the breast; concerning if new.

Graves' Disease

An autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, associated with bulging eyes.

Proprioception

The body's ability to perceive its own position in space.

Kinesthesia

The sense that detects bodily position and movement.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Includes family history, genetic factors, and lifestyle choices.

Testicular Cancer Symptoms

Lump in the testicle, unusual swelling, and changes in testicle size or shape.

Chronic Hypoxia

Persistent deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues.

Bowel Sounds Absence

Indicates no sounds heard in the abdomen after listening for five minutes.

Rugae

The folds or wrinkles in the skin, particularly in the scrotum.

Tenting

A condition indicating poor skin turgor, commonly associated with dehydration.

Vigorous Nutritional Care

Maintaining proper nutrition and hydration, especially in older adults.

Natural Barriers

Physical barriers like skin or the cervix protecting the body from pathogens.

Nurse's Role in Spiritual Care

To support and refer patients to spiritual leaders or counselors as needed.

Intermittent Claudication

Pain caused by too little blood flow, often during exercise, signaling peripheral artery disease.

Angina

Chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

First Degree Relative

A direct family member (parent/sibling) which increases genetic risk for certain diseases.

Pneumonia Assessment Sounds

Gurgling or crackling sounds heard with inflammation in the lungs.

Cloudy Urine

May indicate infection or dehydration.

Prostate Cancer Screening,

Regular check-ups for men over age 50 to assess for prostate abnormalities.

Alcohol and Testicular Health

Chronic alcohol use may impact testicular function.

Cold Water Temperature Effect

Cold temperatures can cause scrotum retraction.

Skin Assessment

Involves checking for moisture, turgor, temperature, and lesions.

Fluid Volume Excess

Occurs when there is too much fluid in the body, often leading to heart failure.

Tenderness in Abdomen

Could indicate inflammation or other abdominal issues.

Therapeutic Communication

Techniques that promote an effective exchange of information between nurse and patient.

Stethoscope Use

A tool used for listening to internal body sounds, particularly heart and lung.

C7 Vertebra

Landmark for identifying anatomical areas of the lung.

Heart Rate and Cardiac Output

Heart rate combined with stroke volume determines cardiac output.

Communicating with Toddlers

Engage with the parent initially and gently introduce interactions.

Effective Patient Communication

Assess the patient's preferred communication method to ensure clarity.

Nutritional Requirement Changes

Nutrition may vary significantly across different age groups.

Self-Examination Importance

Encouraged at an early age to promote familiarity and awareness of normal body changes.

Pediatric Patient Interaction

Should incorporate family involvement, especially with young children.

Monitoring and Referrals

Nurses should refer abnormalities to appropriate specialists for further evaluation.

Vital Signs Monitoring

Essential initial step when assessing acute changes in a patient's condition.

Signs of Overhydration

Can result in swelling and increase in blood pressure.

Emergency Response in Cardiac Events

Vital signs assessment is critical before any interventions.