NUR 216 Chapter 1 Exam Preparation

The process of gathering and interpreting information about a patient's health status.

A method of preventing disease before it occurs. This can include things like vaccinations, healthy lifestyle choices, and safe sex practices.

A method of detecting disease early in its development, often through screenings and tests.

A method of minimizing the impact of a long-term health condition or disability.

The purposeful and ongoing process of collecting and reviewing data about a patient's condition and needs.

The act of identifying and labeling a patient's health problem based on the assessment data.

A structured plan of care designed to address the patient's identified health problems.

The actual implementation of the nursing care plan, involving interventions and treatments.

The ongoing process of evaluating the effectiveness of the nursing care plan and making adjustments based on the patient's progress.

A deliberate effort to reduce unwanted sounds in the environment, making it easier for a patient to hear and understand the nurse.

The most reliable source of information about a patient's health history is the patient themselves, especially if they are alert and oriented to their surroundings.

A comprehensive health history is a detailed account of a patient's past and present health status, including family history, social history, and review of systems.

A focused health history is a more limited assessment, focusing on a specific problem or concern identified by the patient.

A follow-up health history is conducted to assess the patient's progress after a previous visit or intervention.

A patient's culture influences their understanding of health and illness, which can impact the interview process.

When interacting with a patient who has a visual impairment, asking them about their vision is crucial before starting a physical assessment.

A focused assessment is a systematic process of gathering information about a specific body system or complaint. It is used to quickly identify the source of the problem and guide further assessment and treatment.

Tangential lighting is a specialized technique where a light source is positioned at an angle to the patient's skin. This technique helps highlight subtle skin changes, such as lesions or discolorations.

Light palpation is a gentle form of assessment where the nurse uses the pads of their fingertips to lightly press down on the patient's skin. This technique is used to assess for skin texture, tenderness, and superficial masses. It is not used to feel deeper organs.

Percussion is a technique where the nurse taps on the patient's body to assess the underlying structures. This technique can be used to determine the density of tissues, the presence of fluid, or the borders of organs.

Direct percussion involves tapping directly on the patient's body with the fingertips. It is useful for assessing tenderness and detecting fluid.

A general assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's overall health status. It includes a thorough physical examination, taking vital signs, and assessing mental status.

A hospice patient is someone who is terminally ill and has a life expectancy of six months or less. Hospice care focuses on providing comfort and support to the patient and their family.

Direct observation is a method of assessing a patient's nutrition by carefully watching their eating habits and food intake. This can include observing the amount of food consumed, any difficulty swallowing, and their ability to feed themselves.

Pain caused by damage to or dysfunction of the nervous system. Often described as burning, tingling, or shooting pain.

Pain arising from the skin, muscles, bones, or connective tissues. It is often described as sharp, aching, or throbbing.

Pain originating from internal organs, often described as cramping, squeezing, or dull pain.

A type of pain that moves from its point of origin to another location.

The most reliable way to assess a patient's pain is to ask them to describe their experience in their own words.

A mnemonic used to assess pain, including Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, and Timing.

A patient's pain level can be subjective. The nurse should assess the pain level despite the patient's outward behavior.

Assessing a patient's pain level requires a thorough evaluation, considering both verbal and non-verbal cues.

A technique to take a heart rate in which the stethoscope is placed over the right fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line, and the beats are counted for 30 seconds and multiplied by 2. This technique helps accurately determine heart rate.

A technique to take a heart rate in which the stethoscope is placed over the left fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line, and the beats are counted for a full minute. This method provides a more precise measurement of heart rate.

An assessment used to evaluate an individual's level of consciousness by asking and assessing their awareness of time, place, and person. It helps determine their cognitive function, memory, and overall mental status.

A condition characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure when a person stands up or changes position, often resulting in dizziness and lightheadedness due to reduced blood flow to the brain.

A vital sign that reflects the pressure exerted by blood against the walls of blood vessels. It is measured using a sphygmomanometer and typically expressed as a fraction, for example, 120/80 mmHg.

A type of temperature measurement taken through the rectum using a rectal probe. It is considered one of the most accurate methods for measuring body temperature.

The process of assessing a patient's overall health status, including their appearance, behavior, general health, and any signs or symptoms they may be experiencing. It provides a general picture of their well-being.

A healthcare provider's written directive for a patient's care, specifying specific treatments, tests, and medications. It helps guide and ensure the patient's care is consistent with their needs and treatment plan.

The act of using your sense of touch to gather information about a patient's body. This includes checking temperature, texture, and the presence of lumps or masses.

The act of listening to sounds produced by the body using a stethoscope. This is often used to assess the heart, lungs, and bowels.

The act of visually observing a patient's body and appearance. This can include the patient's overall skin color, posture, gait, and any visible signs of illness or injury.

The act of tapping on the body to assess the underlying structures. This can help determine if the tissues are solid, filled with fluid, or air-filled.

The sequence of assessment techniques used to gather objective data about a patient's physical status. This typically involves inspecting, palpating, percussing, and auscultating the different body systems.

The act of using your sense of smell to detect any unusual or abnormal odors from a patient's body. This can be an important clue to specific health problems.

The sound produced when percussing over healthy lung tissue. It is a hollow, low-pitched, and resonant sound.

Vital signs are the basic measurements that can provide information about a patient's overall health. They are like checkpoints for the body.