Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a component of the general survey?
Which of the following is NOT a component of the general survey?
It is best practice to measure a patient's weight at different times of the day and with different types of clothing to get a more accurate average.
It is best practice to measure a patient's weight at different times of the day and with different types of clothing to get a more accurate average.
False
What two units of measure should be used to record a patient's weight?
What two units of measure should be used to record a patient's weight?
kilograms and pounds
Unexplained weight _________ can indicate fluid retention.
Unexplained weight _________ can indicate fluid retention.
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Match the following measurements with their description:
Match the following measurements with their description:
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What does BMI not take into consideration?
What does BMI not take into consideration?
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BMI is an effective tool for measuring healthy weight in children and older adults.
BMI is an effective tool for measuring healthy weight in children and older adults.
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In addition to BMI, what other measurement can be used to better determine the risk of developing chronic diseases?
In addition to BMI, what other measurement can be used to better determine the risk of developing chronic diseases?
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What is the correct anatomical landmark to use when measuring waist circumference?
What is the correct anatomical landmark to use when measuring waist circumference?
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A newborn's head circumference is typically smaller than its chest circumference.
A newborn's head circumference is typically smaller than its chest circumference.
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What two measurements are used to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI)?
What two measurements are used to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI)?
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In older adults, body weight tends to ______ along with muscle mass.
In older adults, body weight tends to ______ along with muscle mass.
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Match the following conditions with their primary characteristics:
Match the following conditions with their primary characteristics:
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Which of the following best describes how to measure an infant’s body length?
Which of the following best describes how to measure an infant’s body length?
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Height and weight are not good indicators of a child's general health.
Height and weight are not good indicators of a child's general health.
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What is the term for excessive fat accumulation in the trunk of the body due to excessive cortisol?
What is the term for excessive fat accumulation in the trunk of the body due to excessive cortisol?
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The chest circumference after ______ years is greater than the head circumference.
The chest circumference after ______ years is greater than the head circumference.
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Which of the following is a common effect of aging on height?
Which of the following is a common effect of aging on height?
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Study Notes
General Survey & Measurement
- General Survey Definition: A comprehensive assessment of the entire person, encompassing physical appearance, body structure, mobility, and behavior. It begins at the initial patient encounter and informs the health history and vital sign measurement.
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Components of General Survey:
- Physical Appearance: Age, sex, level of consciousness, skin color, facial features, overall appearance.
- Body Structure: Stature, nutrition, symmetry, posture, position, body build, contour, physical deformities.
- Mobility: Gait, range of motion.
- Behavior: Facial expression, mood, affect, speech, speech pattern, dress, personal hygiene.
- Sequence of Measurement: Nursing observations, health history, vital signs, then patient measurements.
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Measurement Methods & Considerations:
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Weight:
- Remove shoes and heavy clothing.
- Measure at the same time of day and in the same clothing.
- Record in kilograms and pounds.
- Consistency in using the same scale.
- Unexplained changes can indicate illness.
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Height:
- Use wall-mounted device/measuring pole.
- Patient must be shoeless, standing straight, with gentle traction under jaw.
- Feet, shoulders, and buttocks touching the wall/measuring pole.
- Record in feet, inches, and centimeters.
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Body Mass Index (BMI):
- Practical marker of healthy weight for height; indicates obesity/malnutrition.
- Used to identify those at risk for health problems.
- Shows relationship between height and weight; excludes muscle mass.
- Less effective for children and older adults.
- Combination with other measures (waist circumference) is beneficial.
- Compare to previous visits.
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Waist Circumference:
- Important independent risk factor for diseases (heart disease, type 2 diabetes).
- Patient stands; find iliac crest.
- Wrap measuring tape around waist, parallel to floor, at iliac crest; snug fit.
- Measure at end of normal expiration.
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Weight:
BMI Calculation
- Imperial System: BMI = 703 x Weight (lbs) / Height (in)2
- Metric System: BMI = Weight (kg) / Height (m)2
Developmental Considerations
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Infants & Children:
- General Survey: Physical appearance, body structure, mobility, behavioral response to stimuli, caregiver bond.
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Measurements:
- Weight: Platform scale (safety).
- Length: Horizontal measuring board (up to age 2).
- Height: Ruler/wall scale (standing straight).
- Head Circumference: Newborns to 6 years. Use plastic tape, aligned with eyebrows and prominent bones.
- Chest Circumference: Measured at nipple line (for comparison with head circumference).
- Growth Potential: Economic, nutritional, and environmental factors.
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Aging Adults:
- General Survey: Physical appearance, posture, gait.
- Weight: Decreased weight, muscle loss, fat redistribution (abdomen/hips).
- Height: Shorter stature due to vertebral disc thinning, kyphosis, flexion.
Abnormal Findings (Body Height/Proportion)
- Hypopituitary Dwarfism: Growth hormone deficiency (childhood retardation).
- Gigantism: Excessive growth hormone (anterior pituitary).
- Achondroplastic Dwarfism: Genetic disorder (cartilage-to-bone conversion) - Short arms/legs.
- Acromegaly (Hyperpituitarism): Excessive growth hormone (adulthood overgrowth of face, head, hands, feet).
- Bulimia Nervosa: Binge eating, purging.
- Anorexia Nervosa: Severe weight loss.
- Endogenous Obesity (Cushing Syndrome): Fat accumulation (trunk).
- Marfan Syndrome: Connective tissue disorder (tall, thin stature; long fingers; hyperextensible joints; arm span exceeding height).
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Description
Explore the essential components of general surveys and measurements in healthcare. This quiz covers aspects like physical appearance, body structure, mobility, and behavior assessment techniques. Perfect for nursing students and healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their observational skills.
