Physical Examination Techniques

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Questions and Answers

What is the abnormal breath sound referred to when the sounds 'ninety nine' are heard clearly during auscultation?

Normal Breath Sound

Whisper Pectoriloquy (correct)

Bronchophony

Egophony

During muscle inspection, what does a decrease in muscle size indicate?

Fasciculation

Hypertrophy

Atrophy (correct)

Tremors

What is the purpose of palpating muscles at rest?

To determine muscle tone (correct)

To determine muscle strength

To assess for muscle contracture

To assess for muscle atrophy

During breast assessment, what is the normal location of the nipple?

At the center of the breast Signup and view all the answers

What is the abnormal breath sound referred to when the sound 'ee' is heard as 'ay' during auscultation?

E to A Egophony Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of inspecting the muscle and tendons for contracture?

To identify malposition of a body part Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of palpating muscles during active or passive movement?

To assess for flaccidity, spasticity, and smoothness of movement Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal characteristic of the skin of the breast?

Smooth and varies in color depending on the client's skin tones Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to overcome ticklishness during abdominal palpation?

To minimize voluntary guarding and ensure accurate results Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of placing a pillow under the client's knees during abdominal palpation?

To promote relaxation and minimize voluntary guarding Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for shortness of breath?

Dyspnea Signup and view all the answers

During inspection of the neck vessels, what should the examiner observe?

Jugular venous pulse and pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of palpating the apical impulse?

To assess the cardiovascular system Signup and view all the answers

What technique can be used to minimize voluntary guarding during abdominal palpation?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What should the examiner evaluate during auscultation and palpation of the neck vessels?

Carotid arteries Signup and view all the answers

What is the position of the client during inspection of the precordium?

Supine position with the head of the bed elevated between 30 and 45 degrees Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal frequency of bowel sounds?

Every 5 to 15 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What type of bowel sounds are characteristic of stomach growling?

Hyperactive bowel sounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using the bell of the stethoscope during auscultation?

To listen for vascular sounds Signup and view all the answers

During light palpation, what is the depth of compression?

1 cm Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of deeply palpating all quadrants?

To detect subtle masses Signup and view all the answers

When palpating for masses, what should you note?

Location, size, shape, consistency, demarcation, pulsatility, tenderness, and mobility Signup and view all the answers

What should you avoid doing when palpating for masses?

Confusing a mass with a normally palpated organ or structure Signup and view all the answers

What should you palpate for in the umbilical area?

Swelling, bulges, or masses Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Respiratory System

Auscultate symmetrical areas over each lung to hear muffled and indistinct sounds.
Clearer sounds are called bronchophony.
Whisper pectoriloquy is when the patient whispers "ninety nine" and the sounds are heard clearly.
Egophony is when the patient says "ee" and it sounds like "ay" when auscultated.

Muscle Inspection

Compare muscle size on one side of the body to the other using a tape measure.
Note atrophy (decrease in size) and hypertrophy (increase in size).
Inspect for contracture (shortening of muscle and tendon) causing malposition of body parts.
Inspect for fasciculation and tremors.
Palpate muscles at rest to determine tonicity (normal tension or tone).
Palpate muscles during active or passive movement to determine flaccidity, spasticity, and smoothness of movement.

Breast Assessment

The skin of the breast is smooth and varies in color depending on the client's skin tone.
The nipple contains the tiny openings of the lactiferous ducts through which milk passes.

Abdominal Assessment

Auscultate for bowel sounds, which are normally heard every 5 to 15 seconds.
Hyperactive bowel sounds are loud, prolonged gurgles characteristic of stomach growling.
Auscultate for vascular sounds using the bell of the stethoscope.
Auscultate for a friction rub over the liver and spleen.
Perform light palpation to identify areas of tenderness and muscular resistance.
Deeply palpate all quadrants to delineate abdominal organs and detect subtle masses.
Palpate for masses, noting their location, size, shape, consistency, demarcation, pulsatility, tenderness, and mobility.

Cardio-Vascular System

Dyspnea is shortness of breath.
Nocturia is urgency of urination.
Edema is swelling all over the body.