AHA Finals Study Notes

AHA Finals Study Notes

• Neuromuscular Status Check: Assess limb for skin tone (pale, cool), and muscle tone (spasticity, flaccidity).

• Bowel Obstruction: Absent peristalsis is a sign of early bowel obstruction (hypoactive). Report urine output less than 30ml per hour.

• Pulse Assessment: If unable to palpate left dorsalis pedis pulse, assess for popliteal pulse.

• Respiratory Assessment: Listen for breath sounds (low pitched sounds, longer inspiration than expiration) and note any abnormal lung sounds or location discrepancy.

• Abdominal Assessment: Palpate the abdomen at the end to avoid inhibiting peristalsis.

• Glasgow Coma Scale: A 6-point scale used to assess a patient's level of consciousness.

• Consensual Light Reflex: Shine light into one eye and observe the eye movement (pupillary constriction) in the opposite eye.

• Checking Pupil Response: Note any dilated or fixed pupils and report immediately.

• Upper Motor Neuron Function Test: Patient should be able to demonstrate the ability to pick out particular areas of pain.

• Pain Assessment: Assess the patient's response to pain, differentiating between sharp and dull sensations.

• Muscle Strength Assessment: Assess the patient's ability to perform tasks such as extending their forearms or flexing their arms.

• Asthma Patient Wheezes: Wheezes indicate airway narrowing and may be high-pitched, musical sounds upon auscultation.

• Kyphosis: Exaggerated curvature of the thoracic spine, often present in older individuals.

• Bowel Sounds: Absence of sounds after 5 minutes.

• Post-Knee Surgery: Check for pedal pulses in patients who undergo knee surgeries.

• Other Assessments: Various assessment procedures for additional observations, such as determining skin color, and mental health (cognition, behaviour, and mental appearance).

• Assessment of Urination: Determine if the patient has difficulty initiating urination.

• Respiratory Assessment During Obstructions: Note for decreased or absent breath sounds where there is bronchial obstruction.

• Thoracic Alignment: Assess for any unusual configurations of the chest.

• Pulse: Observe pulses in various locations (eg. dorsalis pedis, popliteal, pedal) and note any characteristics (like strength or rhythm).

• Muscle strength: Check for five-point muscle strength, assessing limb movements.

• Skin Temperature: Observe skin temperature, comparing bilaterally.

• Skin Turgor: Evaluate skin elasticity and hydration by gently pinching skin.

• Neurological Assessment: Assess motor function (full range of motion).

• **Verbal Response:**Assess for verbal interactions and responsiveness.

Prepare for your AHA finals with these essential study notes. This quiz covers key assessments including neuromuscular status, bowel obstruction signs, and the Glasgow Coma Scale. Test your knowledge on crucial medical evaluations and ensure you're ready for the exam.