Physical Examination Techniques

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What technique involves assessing texture, temperature, moisture, and organ location and size?

Palpation

Which technique involves concentrated watching and collection of objective data like posture and gait?

Inspection

When should gloves be used during the physical examination?

Only when in contact with bodily fluid or genital area

What should happen if a patient complains of pain during palpation?

Stop palpating immediately

Which technique involves listening to heart rate and chest sounds?

Auscultation

Which technique involves gathering data through the sense of touch?

Palpation

What does a 1+ measurement indicate when testing skin turgor?

The skin rebounds back when fingers are indented

What does swelling indicate when an area is injured?

Dilation of blood vessels and increased blood flow to the area

What does the presence of stretch marks (Striae) indicate?

Previous stretching or expansion of the skin

What is the purpose of capillary refill assessment?

To assess the level of oxygen in the blood

What does clubbing of the fingers indicate?

Prolonged deoxygenation, often seen in smokers

What is the mnemonic for assessing lesions for danger signs?

ABCDE2 (Asymmetry, Borders, Color, Diameter, Enlargement and Elevation)

When inspecting the head, what should be assessed?

Size and shape

What is the purpose of inspecting regional lymphatics of the head, face, and neck?

To detect any palpable, non-painful lymph nodes

What is the purpose of percussion in a physical assessment?

To assess underlying structures by tapping the person's skin with short, sharp strokes

What does hyperresonance indicate during percussion in a physical assessment?

A booming sound over air-filled tissue like lung tissue

What is the purpose of auscultation in a clinical setting?

To listen to audible assessments using a stethoscope

In the context of physical assessment, what does pallor indicate when assessing the skin?

A loss of shine and pale color indicating decreased blood flow

What is the primary purpose of an environmental scan in a clinical setting?

To ensure availability of equipment for assessment and to sanitize hands and equipment

What is the recommended approach for examining an adolescent's genitalia in a clinical setting?

Allowing adolescent the choice with or without caregiver presence

What is the primary purpose of inspection during a physical examination?

To gather data through concentrated watching

When should gloves be used during the palpation technique of a physical examination?

Only when in contact with bodily fluids or the genital area

What does palpation aim to assess?

Texture, temperature, and moisture

In what order should palpation be performed?

Top to bottom, medial to lateral

What is the purpose of auscultation during a physical examination?

To listen to heart rate and chest sounds

Which sense is primarily used for gathering data during the inspection technique?

Sight

What should happen if a patient complains of pain during palpation?

Stop palpating immediately as it may indicate a serious issue

What is assessed using auscultation in a clinical setting?

The patient's heart rate and chest sounds

What is the primary purpose of percussion in a physical assessment?

To elicit specific sounds from underlying tissues

What is meant by symmetrical in the context of inspection during a physical examination?

What's happening on one side of the body should be similar on the other side

What does a 4+ measurement indicate when testing skin turgor?

The skin does not rebound

What does the presence of stretch marks (Striae) indicate?

Skin stretching due to weight gain or growth

What is the primary purpose of inspecting regional lymphatics of the head, face, and neck?

To identify any abnormalities or swelling

What routine practices are involved in head, face, neck, and regional lymphatics assessment?

Inspection, palpation, and auscultation

What is the mnemonic for assessing lesions for danger signs?

ABCDE2

What should happen if a patient complains of pain during palpation of the head and neck?

Discontinue the palpation and seek alternative methods

What technique involves assessing texture, temperature, moisture, and organ location and size?

Palpation

When should gloves be used during the physical examination?

Only if there is body fluid present

What does hyperresonance indicate during percussion in a physical assessment?

Normal lung tissue

What does clubbing of the fingers indicate?

Prolonged deoxygenation (e.g., in smokers)

What does a 1+ measurement indicate when testing skin turgor?

The skin rebounds back when fingers are indented

What is the purpose of capillary refill assessment?

To evaluate peripheral perfusion and circulation

During percussion in a physical assessment, what does a dull sound indicate?

Solid organs like the heart

What is the primary purpose of palpating only in one spot at a time during a physical assessment?

To reduce discomfort for the patient

When performing auscultation in a clinical setting, what is the purpose of using a stethoscope?

To minimize external noise and listen better to bowel sounds

What does hyperresonance indicate during percussion in a physical assessment?

Air-filled space like the lungs having too much space

What is the purpose of using an overhead radiant heat source when examining an infant in a clinical setting?

To keep the infant warm and expose only what is needed

In the context of skin assessment, what does pallor indicate when assessing the skin?

Pale color due to loss of shine

What is the purpose of an environmental scan in a clinical setting?

To check for fire, wire, or obstructions

During percussion in a physical assessment, what does tympany indicate?

Gas-filled areas like the abdomen

What is the purpose of using structure that exists around where unusual findings are detected during palpation?

To report findings based on where they exist

When assessing skin lesions, what should be looked for to identify consistency and shine?

Unexpected changes in coloration

What does clubbing of the fingers indicate when assessing a patient?

Low oxygen levels in the blood

What is the expected sound during percussion over air-filled tissue like lung tissue?

Hollow sound

What is the primary purpose of inspection during a physical examination?

To collect objective data like posture and gait

What does hyperresonance indicate during percussion in a physical assessment?

Normal air-filled spaces such as the lungs

When should gloves be used during the palpation technique of a physical examination?

Only when in contact with bodily fluids or genital areas

What is the mnemonic for assessing lesions for danger signs?

ABCDE

What is the purpose of auscultation in a clinical setting?

To listen to heart rate and chest sounds

What is assessed using auscultation in a clinical setting?

Heart rate and chest sounds

What does clubbing of the fingers indicate when assessing a patient?

Cardiovascular disease or respiratory disorders

What routine practices are involved in head, face, neck, and regional lymphatics assessment?

Inspection and palpation only

In what order should palpation be performed?

From top to bottom, medial to lateral, front to back

Which technique involves listening to heart rate and chest sounds?

Auscultation

Which sense is primarily used for gathering data during the inspection technique?

Sight

What does a 1+ measurement indicate when testing skin turgor?

Mild dehydration

What does a 1+ measurement indicate when testing skin turgor?

The skin rebounds back when fingers are indented

What is the primary purpose of inspecting regional lymphatics of the head, face, and neck?

To palpate lymph nodes for any enlargement

What does clubbing of the fingers indicate?

Prolonged deoxygenation (e.g., in a smoker)

What is the purpose of capillary refill assessment?

To check the level of oxygen in the body

In the context of skin assessment, what does pallor indicate when assessing the skin?

Paleness or lack of color indicating reduced blood flow

What is the mnemonic for assessing lesions for danger signs?

'ABCDE' - Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter >6mm, Evolving over time

What is the recommended approach for examining an adolescent's genitalia in a clinical setting?

Use a chaperone and explain the examination to both adolescent and parent if present

What is meant by symmetrical in the context of inspection during a physical examination?

Ensuring equal size and shape on both sides of the body

What should happen if a patient complains of pain during palpation?

The healthcare provider should avoid palpating that area further to prevent discomfort

What is the primary purpose of percussion in a physical assessment?

To identify sounds indicating air-filled or fluid-filled spaces within organs or tissues

What does hyperresonance indicate during percussion in a physical assessment?

The presence of fluid within lung tissue

What is the purpose of percussion in a physical assessment?

To assess underlying structures like organs and bones

During percussion in a physical assessment, what does tympany indicate?

Gas-filled areas like the abdomen

In the context of skin assessment, what does pallor indicate when assessing the skin?

Pale appearance with loss of shine

What does hyperresonance indicate during percussion in a physical assessment?

Gas-filled areas like the abdomen

What is meant by symmetrical in the context of inspection during a physical examination?

Bilateral equality between body parts

What does a 4+ measurement indicate when testing skin turgor?

Severe dehydration

What should happen if a patient complains of pain during palpation?

Stop and avoid further palpation in that area

In the context of skin assessment, what does edema indicate in a patient's area?

Severe fluid accumulation

What is the primary purpose of inspection during a physical examination?

Gathering objective data like posture and gait

When should gloves be used during the palpation technique of a physical examination?

Only when in contact with bodily fluid or genital area

What does pallor indicate when assessing the skin in the context of physical assessment?

Pale or white complexion indicating possible anemia or shock

In what order should palpation be performed?

From top to bottom, medial to lateral, and front to back

During percussion in a physical assessment, what does tympany indicate?

Resonance over air-filled tissue like lung tissue

What is the mnemonic for remembering the 4 techniques used for assessment for systems?

IPeA - Inspection, Palpation, Auscultation, Percussion

What is the primary purpose of percussion in a physical assessment?

Detecting masses and abnormalities

In the context of skin assessment, what does pallor indicate when assessing the skin?

Greenish skin color due to loss of shine

What does clubbing of the fingers indicate when assessing a patient?

Chronic hypoxia or lack of oxygen

When inspecting the head, what should be assessed?

Lesions and moles on the scalp

What is the purpose of an environmental scan in a clinical setting?

Ensuring availability of equipment and cleanliness

What should happen if a patient complains of pain during palpation?

Stop palpating in that area immediately

What does a 4+ measurement indicate when testing skin turgor?

The skin does not rebound when fingers are indented

What is the mnemonic for assessing lesions for danger signs?

ABCs (Asymmetry, Borders, Color)

When assessing nail health, what does 'clubbing' of the fingers indicate?

Prolonged deoxygenation (e.g. in smokers), lack of oxygen

What is the primary purpose of inspecting regional lymphatics of the head, face, and neck?

To check for non-painful, movable lymph nodes

In skin assessment, what does pallor indicate?

Lack of oxygen in the blood

What routine practices are involved in head, face, neck, and regional lymphatics assessment?

Inspecting from top to down and checking facial symmetry

'Capillary refill' assessment is primarily used to check the level of:

Oxygen in the blood

'Striae' or stretch marks typically indicate:

Changes in skin color

Test your knowledge of the different techniques used in physical examination such as inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. Learn about the order in which these techniques are typically performed and their specific purposes.

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