NSG 302: Health Promotion and Assessment - General Survey and Vital Signs

This flashcard set covers the essential vocabulary and objective measurements for a general health survey and vital signs assessment as outlined in NSG 302 and the ATI Module.

General Survey

An initial appraisal of a client's overall presentation, behaviors, and physical characteristics that provides an overall impression of their health state and leads to focused assessments.

Objective Data

Information that is measured or observed by the healthcare provider, such as findings from physical appearance, body structure, mobility, and diagnostic testing.

Subjective Data

Information based on the patient's perceptions, feelings, and concerns.

Healthy BMI Range

A body mass index between $18.5\,kg/m^2$ and $24.9\,kg/m^2$.

Obesity (BMI)

A body mass index of $30\,kg/m^2$ and above.

Waist Circumference Risk Factor

An independent risk factor for disease when measurements are $>35\,in.$ for women or $>40\,in.$ for men.

Normal Oral Temperature (Adult)

Average is $37^{\circ}C$ ($98.6^{\circ}F$), with an expected range of $35.8^{\circ}C$ to $37.3^{\circ}C$ ($96.4^{\circ}F$ to $99.1^{\circ}F$).

Elderly Adult Temperature

Expected range is $35^{\circ}C$ to $36.1^{\circ}C$ ($95^{\circ}F$ to $97^{\circ}F$) due to less body fat.

Rectal Temperature

Considered the core temperature; usually measures $0.4^{\circ}C$ to $0.5^{\circ}C$ ($0.7^{\circ}F$ to $1^{\circ}F$) higher than oral temperature.

Bradycardia

An adult heart rate less than $60$ beats per minute.

Tachycardia

An adult heart rate greater than $100$ beats per minute.

Pulse Force +2

A normal, brisk pulse; this is the expected finding on the measurement scale.

Pulse Force +1

A weak, thready, or diminished pulse.

Expected Respiratory Rate

Between $12$ and $20$ breaths per minute for an adult.

Bradypnea

A respiratory rate of less than $12$ breaths per minute.

Tachypnea

A respiratory rate of greater than $20$ breaths per minute.

Systolic Pressure

The maximum pressure felt on the artery during left ventricular contraction (systole).

Diastolic Pressure

The elastic recoil or resting pressure that blood exerts constantly between each heart contraction.

Pulse Pressure

The numerical difference between the systolic and diastolic pressures, which reflects stroke volume.

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)

The pressure forcing blood into the tissues, averaged over the cardiac cycle.

Auscultatory Gap

A period when Korotkoff sounds disappear during blood pressure auscultation; healthcare providers avoid missing this by inflating the cuff $20$ to $30\,mm\,Hg$ above the point where the pulse is obliterated.

Oxygen Saturation ($SpO_2$)

A measure of ventilation/perfusion where the expected finding is $95$ to $100\%$. A value less than $90\%$ is considered unexpected.

Orthostatic Vital Signs

Serial measurements of blood pressure and pulse taken while the patient is supine, sitting, and standing to check for volume depletion or fainting risk.

Crepitus

An unexpected joint finding during range of motion assessment characterized by a grating or popping sensation.

Blood Pressure Cuff Sizing Error

Using a cuff that is too narrow or small leads to falsely high readings, while a cuff that is too large leads to falsely low readings.

Cardiac Output

The volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, calculated as stroke volume multiplied by heart rate.

Stroke Volume

The amount of blood ejected from the heart with each beat.

Respiratory Depth

The volume of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing; typically measured in milliliters.

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) Calculation

MAP is calculated using the formula: $MAP = DBP + \frac{1}{3}(SBP - DBP)$ where DBP is diastolic blood pressure and SBP is systolic blood pressure.

Hypoxemia

A condition in which there is an abnormally low level of oxygen in the blood.

Hypercapnia

An increased level of carbon dioxide in the blood, often linked to respiratory failure or emphysema.

Peripheral Pulses

The pulses felt in the arteries away from the heart, typically measured in the wrist (radial pulse) or neck (carotid pulse) to assess circulation.

Blood Pressure Classification

Normal blood pressure is defined as systolic <120 mmHg and diastolic <80 mmHg according to the American Heart Association.

Pulse Oximetry Principles

A noninvasive method used to monitor the oxygen saturation of a patient’s blood.

Auscultation

A technique used to listen to the internal sounds of the body, often utilized for heart and lung assessments.

General Survey

An initial appraisal of a client's overall presentation, behaviors, and physical characteristics. This survey offers a comprehensive impression of the client's health state and directs the focus toward specific assessments as necessary.

Objective Data

Fact-based information that is measured or observed directly by the healthcare provider. This includes findings regarding the patient's physical appearance, body structure, mobility, and results from diagnostic testing, which aid in clinical decision-making.

Subjective Data

Information gathered based on the patient's own perceptions, feelings, and concerns. This data is crucial for understanding the patient's experience and symptoms, influencing treatment plans accordingly.

Healthy BMI Range

A body mass index (BMI) between $18.5 \, kg/m^2$ and $24.9 \, kg/m^2$, indicating a healthy weight that reduces the risk of health issues associated with underweight or overweight categories.

Obesity (BMI)

A medical condition characterized by a body mass index (BMI) of $30 \, kg/m^2$ and above. This condition is associated with an increased risk of various health problems, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

Waist Circumference Risk Factor

An independent risk factor for various diseases when waist measurements exceed $35 \, in.$ for women or $40 \, in.$ for men. This measurement helps assess the risk of metabolic syndrome and other health-related issues.

Normal Oral Temperature (Adult)

The average temperature for a healthy adult is approximately $37^{\circ}C$ ($98.6^{\circ}F$), with the expected normal range between $35.8^{\circ}C$ and $37.3^{\circ}C$ ($96.4^{\circ}F$ to $99.1^{\circ}F$). Monitoring these values is essential for assessing health.

Elderly Adult Temperature

In elderly adults, the expected oral temperature range is between $35^{\circ}C$ and $36.1^{\circ}C$ ($95^{\circ}F$ to $97^{\circ}F$). This lower range can be attributed to age-related physiological changes, including decreased body fat and metabolic rate.

Rectal Temperature

Considered the most accurate reflection of core body temperature. Rectal temperatures are usually $0.4^{\circ}C$ to $0.5^{\circ}C$ ($0.7^{\circ}F$ to $1^{\circ}F$) higher than oral temperatures, making it a preferred method for assessing temperature in certain clinical settings.

Bradycardia

A medical condition in which an adult's heart rate is less than $60$ beats per minute. This can indicate varying health statuses, ranging from good physical fitness to potential cardiac issues.

Tachycardia

A condition marked by an adult heart rate exceeding $100$ beats per minute. This elevated heart rate could be a response to factors like stress, anxiety, or health concerns such as fever or dehydration.

Pulse Force +2

A term used to describe a normal and brisk pulse found during examination, indicating healthy circulation and cardiovascular status.

Pulse Force +1

Describes a pulse that feels weak, thready, or diminished during palpation. This finding may suggest issues with blood volume or circulation that warrant further investigation.

Expected Respiratory Rate

For a healthy adult, the typical respiratory rate falls between $12$ and $20$ breaths per minute. Monitoring this rate helps assess respiratory function and detect potential issues.

Bradypnea

A condition characterized by a respiratory rate of fewer than $12$ breaths per minute. This can indicate increased pressure on the respiratory centers in the brain or severe metabolic disturbances.

Tachypnea

A condition where the respiratory rate exceeds $20$ breaths per minute, often observed during exertion, anxiety, or illness, indicating the need for further evaluation of respiratory function.

Systolic Pressure

The peak pressure measured in the arteries during left ventricular contraction (systole). It is the first of two numbers in a blood pressure reading and reflects the heart's pumping strength.

Diastolic Pressure

The resting pressure in the arteries between heartbeats, known as diastolic pressure, which represents the heart's filling period. This value is critical for understanding overall cardiovascular health.

Pulse Pressure

The difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressures, indicating the force that your heart generates each time it pumps and reflecting stroke volume. Normal values are indicative of healthy heart function.

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)

An important physiological measure representing the average arterial pressure during one cardiac cycle. Calculated by the formula: $MAP = DBP + \frac{1}{3}(SBP - DBP)$, where DBP is diastolic blood pressure and SBP is systolic blood pressure.

Auscultatory Gap

A phenomenon during blood pressure measurement characterized by a period where Korotkoff sounds temporarily disappear. To avoid missing this gap, healthcare providers inflate the cuff $20$ to $30 \, mm \, Hg$ above the pulse obliteration point.

Oxygen Saturation ($SpO_2$)

A clinical measure of the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen in the blood. Normal levels range from $95$ to $100\%$, and values below $90\%$ may indicate hypoxemia, requiring intervention.

Orthostatic Vital Signs

A series of blood pressure and pulse measurements taken with the patient in three positions: supine, sitting, and standing. This assessment is critical for detecting volume depletion or risk of fainting in patients.

Crepitus

An abnormal finding that occurs during range of motion assessment, described as a grating or popping sensation in joints, which may indicate underlying pathology such as arthritis or tendon issues.

Blood Pressure Cuff Sizing Error

Using an improperly sized cuff can lead to inaccurate blood pressure readings. A cuff that is too narrow or small can yield falsely high readings, while one that is too large can result in falsely low measurements.

Cardiac Output

The total volume of blood that the heart pumps per minute, represented as the product of stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped per beat) and heart rate (the number of beats per minute). This metric is vital for assessing heart performance.

Stroke Volume

The volume of blood ejected from the heart during each contraction. Stroke volume is an essential component in calculating cardiac output and assessing cardiac health.

Respiratory Depth

The measurement of the volume of air exchanged during normal inhalation and exhalation. This volume is significant for evaluating lung function and respiratory effectiveness.

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) Calculation

MAP is calculated using the formula: $MAP = DBP + \frac{1}{3}(SBP - DBP)$, where DBP represents diastolic blood pressure, and SBP represents systolic blood pressure. This calculation helps assess organ perfusion and cardiovascular stability.

Hypoxemia

A condition defined by an insufficient level of oxygen in the blood, often measured by arterial blood gases. Symptoms may include confusion, rapid heart rate, or cyanosis, and it requires prompt medical intervention.

Hypercapnia

An elevated level of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, often associated with hypoventilation or significant respiratory disorders. Symptoms might include confusion, flushed skin, and headache, necessitating medical evaluation.

Peripheral Pulses

Pulses that can be felt in arterial sites away from the heart, such as in the wrists or neck (e.g., radial and carotid pulses). Assessing these pulses is important for evaluating circulatory health and peripheral blood flow.

Blood Pressure Classification

According to the American Heart Association guidelines, normal blood pressure is defined as systolic less than $120\, mmHg$ and diastolic less than $80\, mmHg$. This classification aids in the diagnosis and management of hypertension.

Pulse Oximetry Principles

A noninvasive method used for continuously monitoring the oxygen saturation level of a patient's blood, providing real-time data essential for managing patients with respiratory conditions.

Auscultation

A clinical technique employed to listen to internal sounds of the body, primarily used in assessing heart and lung functions. This technique aids in diagnosing various conditions based on sound patterns.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to decreased oxygen transport in the body.

Hypertension

A condition where blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated, typically defined as systolic blood pressure above $130 \, mmHg$ or diastolic above $80 \, mmHg$.

Diabetes Mellitus

A group of diseases that result in high blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production or function; includes type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

Pneumonia

An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid; symptoms include cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

Heart Failure

A chronic condition where the heart does not pump blood as well as it should, leading to fluid buildup and systemic congestion.

Pulmonary Embolism

A blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, typically caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs or other parts of the body.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Asthma

A chronic condition in which the airways become inflamed, narrow, and swell, producing extra mucus that makes breathing difficult.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

A test that records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time, used to diagnose various cardiac conditions.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

A measure of body fat based on height and weight, calculated as $BMI = \frac{weight (kg)}{height^2 (m^2)}$.