Preparing for Examinations

Vocabulary flashcards about preparing for examinations from lecture notes.

Preparing the Exam Room

Ensuring the exam room is clean, well-organized, and at a comfortable temperature before each patient encounter.

Gowns and Drapes

Paper gowns or drapes used to provide modesty and warmth during examinations.

Speculum

An instrument used in Pap smears for examining the cervix.

Lithotomy Position

A position used for gynecological examinations, where the patient lies on their back with knees bent and feet in stirrups.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Surfaces

A method of cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces in between patients to prevent the spread of microorganisms.

Biohazard Waste Container

A waste container used for disposing of sharps and other biohazardous materials.

Stethoscope

Equipment used to listen to the heart, lungs, and other body sounds.

Percussion Hammer

An instrument used for testing reflexes.

K-Y Jelly/Lubricant

A lubricant used to ease insertion during examinations or procedures.

Ophthalmoscope

Instrument used to examine the eye.

Otoscope

Instrument used to examine the ear.

Pen Light

Device emitting a focused beam of light, used for illuminating specific areas during an examination.

Empathy

The act of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another.

Gait Belt

A canvas belt used around a patient's waist to provide a secure grip for assisting with transfers.

Anatomical Position

Patient stands erect with arms at their sides and palms facing forward.

Supine Position (Horizontal Recumbent)

Lying flat on the back with the face up.

Dorsal Recumbent Position

Lying on the back with knees bent.

Prone Position

Lying flat on the abdomen with the face down.

Sims’ Position

The patient lies on their left side, with the right leg sharply bent and the left leg slightly bent.

Knee-Chest Position

The patient is on their hands and knees with the head down and the buttocks elevated.

Fowler's position

A sitting position where the patient is sitting upright (90 degrees).

Semi-Fowler's position

A semi-sitting position (45 degrees).

Trendelenburg position

A position where the patient is supine on a surface inclined 45 degrees so the pelvis is higher than the head.

Fenestrated drape

A drape with a hole in it to allow access to the area being examined.