Medical Equipment and Positions Quiz

Equipment

• Thermometers measure temperature
• Stethoscopes detect body sounds (bell for low-pitched, diaphragm for high-pitched)
• Sphygmomanometers measure blood pressure
• Pulse oximeters check oxygen saturation
• Scales measure weight and height
• Snellen charts assess eyesight
• Ophthalmoscopes examine eye structures
• Otoscopes examine ears
• Penlights have diverse uses
• Rulers/tape measures provide accurate measurements

Positions

• Semi-Fowler's position aids lung expansion
• Supine position is lying on the back for comfort
• Prone position involves lying on the stomach (for hip/knee extension)
• Dorsal recumbent position is lying on the back with bent knees
• Lithotomy position uses stirrups, often for vaginal exams
• Sims' position is a recovery position to prevent aspiration
• Lateral recumbent position involves lying on the side (used for suppositories)
• Knee-chest position is used for rectal exams

Techniques

• Four main techniques: inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
• Inspection uses sight, smell, and hearing
• Palpation assesses texture, tenderness, size, and temperature (with fingertips/dorsal hand)
• Percussion assesses density/fluid by tapping directly or indirectly
• Auscultation uses a stethoscope to listen to sounds directly on the skin

Health History

• Biographical data includes date of birth (DOB), birthplace, and emergency contacts
• Reason for seeking care explains the patient's visit
• History of present illness uses OLD CARTS (Onset, Location, Duration, Characteristics, Aggravating factors, Relieving factors, Timing, Severity)
• Present health status includes conditions, medications, and allergies
• Family history covers blood relatives
• Personal history reviews habits, nutrition, and mental health

Prevention Levels

• Primary prevention stops diseases before they occur (e.g., vaccines)
• Secondary prevention detects diseases early (e.g., mammograms)
• Tertiary prevention manages diseases (e.g., physical therapy)

Skin, Nails, and Lesions

• Melanoma assessment uses ABCDE: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter (> 6mm), Evolution
• Primary skin lesions include moles
• Secondary skin lesions include scars
• Vascular lesions include petechiae
• Normal nail findings: smooth, firm, translucent, capillary refill (< 2 seconds)

Communication

• Therapeutic communication helps patients feel comfortable sharing
• Techniques include active listening, restating, reflecting, summarizing
• Communication barriers include distractions, nurse demeanor, and poorly phrased questions
• Build trust with empathy and clarity

Musculoskeletal System

• Normal findings: symmetrical movement, balance, and strength
• Assess range of motion (ROM) by asking the patient to move joints
• Assess strength using resistance
• Inspect for swelling, alignment, and deformities
• Palpate for heat, tenderness, and crepitus
• Promote musculoskeletal health with exercise, good body mechanics, and bone density testing