Nursing Assessment Techniques

Questions and Answers

What is electrocardiography commonly known as?

MRI

ECG (correct)

CT Scan

EEG

What must the client do during an electrocardiography test?

Lie still, breathe normally, and refrain from talking.

An electrical shock can occur during an electrocardiography test.

False

The _____ is an example of objective data seen through physical assessment.

Signs of Severe Respiratory problem Signup and view all the answers

Match the following objective data with their respective problems:

Severe Respiratory problem = Signs of respiratory distress Severe Cardiac problem = Signs of cardiac instability Severe Gastrointestinal Problem = Signs of gastrointestinal distress Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of echocardiography?

To evaluate structural and functional changes in the heart. Signup and view all the answers

During the echocardiography test, the client should refrain from ______.

talking Signup and view all the answers

The client is allowed to talk during the echocardiography test.

False Signup and view all the answers

What positions may the client need to change to during the echocardiography test?

Lying on the back and turning to the side. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Assessment

Subjective Data: Information gathered from the patient’s perspective, including feelings and experiences.
Patient/Nursing History: Comprehensive collection of the patient’s past medical, surgical, and family history to guide care.
Objective Data:
- Derived from physical assessments conducted by healthcare professionals.
- Includes observable signs of health issues:
  - Severe Respiratory Problems: Manifestations might include difficulty breathing or abnormal lung sounds.
  - Severe Cardiac Problems: Indicators may involve irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or cyanosis.
  - Severe Gastrointestinal Problems: Symptoms could include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits.

Non-invasive Procedures

Electrocardiography (ECG):
- A non-invasive test that evaluates heart function by recording the electrical activity of the heart.
- Essential for detecting arrhythmias, ischemic heart disease, and other cardiac issues.
Nursing Considerations:
- Instruct patients to lie still, breathe normally, and avoid talking during the ECG for accurate results.
- Reassure patients about safety by clarifying that no electrical shocks will be administered during the test.
- Document all cardiac medications the patient is currently taking to ensure comprehensive understanding and management.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) Graph:
- Features a visual representation of heart electrical activity, labeled with key components:
  - P Wave: Atrial depolarization.
  - QRS Complex: Ventricular depolarization.
  - T Wave: Ventricular repolarization.
  - Intervals:
    - PR Interval: Time taken from onset of atrial depolarization to the onset of ventricular depolarization.
    - QRS Interval: Duration of ventricular depolarization.
    - QT Interval: Total time for ventricular depolarization and repolarization.

Echocardiography

A noninvasive procedure that utilizes ultrasound technology.
Primarily evaluates both structural and functional heart changes.

Nursing Considerations

Instruct patients to remain still during the echocardiogram.
Patients should breathe normally and avoid talking throughout the procedure.
Position changes may be required, such as lying on the back or turning to the side, to obtain optimal images.

Description

Explore the critical components of nursing assessment including subjective and objective data, and non-invasive diagnostic tests like electrocardiography. This quiz tests your knowledge on recognizing signs of severe health issues and understanding nursing considerations. Enhance your assessment skills essential for patient care.