(Week 2) Health Assessment: General Survey, Vital Signs, Pain & Mental Status

Vocabulary flashcards covering health assessment terminology including general survey, body measurements, vital sign parameters, pain assessment tools, and mental status classifications.

General Survey

A systematic head-to-toe visual overview of a patient upon first contact that provides baseline data about overall health status, behavior, and appearance.

Stadiometer

A specialized device used to measure a patient's height (stature) in centimeters or inches.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

A weight status classification calculated using the formula $\text{kg/m}^2$.

Waist Circumference

A body measurement that serves as a specific indicator of central adiposity and metabolic risk.

Abdominal Girth

A specific body measurement taken in patients presenting with ascites or abdominal distension.

Pyrexia

A body temperature (fever) reading greater than $38\,^\circ\text{C}$ ($100.5\,^\circ\text{F}$).

Hyperthermia

An abnormally elevated body temperature exceeding $40\,^\circ\text{C}$.

Hypothermia

An abnormally low body temperature below $35\,^\circ\text{C}$.

Bradycardia

A resting heart rate below $60\,\text{bpm}$ in an adult.

Tachycardia

A resting heart rate above $100\,\text{bpm}$ in an adult.

Pulse Amplitude

The strength or fullness of a pulse reflecting cardiac output and vessel tone, scored on a scale from 0 (absent) to 3+ (full/bounding).

Apical-Radial Pulse Deficit

A discrepancy between the auscultated apical pulse rate and the palpated radial pulse rate, indicating a cardiac dysrhythmia.

Tachypnea

An elevated respiratory rate exceeding $20\,\text{breaths/min}$ in an adult.

Bradypnea

An abnormally slow respiratory rate below $12\,\text{breaths/min}$ in an adult.

Orthopnea

Difficulty breathing except when maintaining an upright position.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the lips and nailbeds that signifies hypoxemia.

Systolic Pressure

The peak arterial pressure reached during ventricular contraction.

Diastolic Pressure

The lowest arterial pressure reached during ventricular relaxation (diastole).

Pulse Pressure

The numerical difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure, normally $30\text{--}40\,\text{mmHg}$.

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)

The average pressure in the arterial circulation, calculated as $\text{MAP} = \frac{\text{SBP} + 2 \times \text{DBP}}{3}$ with a normal range of $70\text{--}100\,\text{mmHg}$.

Korotkoff Sounds

Vascular sounds auscultated during blood pressure measurement, where Phase I indicates systolic pressure and Phase V indicates diastolic pressure.