Secondary Assessment Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of the secondary assessment?

The purpose of the secondary assessment is to obtain quantifiable information about the patient's overall health condition, which can be used to create a field diagnosis.

What are the 2 components of the secondary assessment?

The two components are obtaining vital signs and conducting a physical head-to-toe exam.

What physical findings do you look for when assessing a patient's respiratory status?

Look for chest symmetry, deformities, the use of accessory muscles, retractions, and abnormal breath sounds.

What physical findings do you look for when assessing a patient's cardiovascular system?

Assess blood pressure, major bleeding, pulse rhythm, rate and quality, and the patient's skin condition. Signup and view all the answers

What are five aspects of assessing a patient's neurological status?

<ol> <li>Level of consciousness using the AVPU scale 2. Memory (person, place, time, event) 3. Speech and language 4. Logic and organization of thought 5. Appearance and behavior.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is DCAP-BTLS and what does it stand for?

DCAP-BTLS is a mnemonic for types of injuries: D-Deformities, C-Contusions, A-Abrasions, P-Punctures/Penetrations, B-Burns, T-Tenderness, L-Lacerations, S-Swelling. Signup and view all the answers

What important information can be gathered from the assessment of the ears in a trauma patient?

Assessment may reveal drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), indicating a possible skull fracture. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how to assess the abdomen and what physical findings may you encounter?

Expose the abdomen, look for DCAP-BTLS, palpate all quadrants for masses, and assess tenderness. Signup and view all the answers

What are 3 considerations when performing a secondary assessment on children?

<ol> <li>Limited information due to shyness or inability to communicate 2. Conduct physical exam toe-to-head 3. Consider trauma risk due to dehydration and infection.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of performing a reassessment?

The goal is to monitor the patient's overall condition and the effectiveness of interventions. Signup and view all the answers

Reassessment consists of repeating the primary assessment by evaluating the airway, breathing, and ______.

circulation Signup and view all the answers

How often should vital signs be rechecked?

Every 15 minutes for stable patients and every 5 minutes for unstable or critical patients. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Secondary Assessment Overview

Secondary assessment provides quantifiable information about a patient's health condition to aid in creating a field diagnosis.
Combines objective data (vital signs) with subjective information shared by the patient.

Components of Secondary Assessment

Two main components:
- Vital Signs: Blood pressure, respiratory rate, pulse rate, pulse oximetry, skin condition.
- Physical Head-to-Toe Exam: Evaluates specific body system functions.

Respiratory System Assessment

Expose the chest and check for symmetry and deformities, like flail chest.
Look for the use of accessory muscles or retractions, indicating respiratory distress.
Auscultate lungs for abnormal breath sounds.

Cardiovascular System Assessment

Assess blood pressure and identify any major bleeding.
Evaluate pulse rhythm, rate, and quality.
Examine skin condition for signs of perfusion issues.

Neurological Status Assessment

Use the AVPU scale to gauge the level of consciousness.
Assess memory through questions regarding person, place, time, and event.
Evaluate speech rate, quantity, appropriateness, logic, and organization of thought.
Observe the patient's appearance and behavior, including facial expressions and posture.

DCAP-BTLS Acronym

Mnemonic for injury assessment:
- D: Deformities
- C: Contusions
- A: Abrasions
- P: Punctures/Penetrations
- B: Burns
- T: Tenderness
- L: Lacerations
- S: Swelling

Ear Assessment in Trauma

Examine ears for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage.
Presence of fluid indicates potential skull fracture and increased risk of bacterial meningitis.

Abdominal Assessment

Expose abdomen and check for DCAP-BTLS.
Palpate all four quadrants for masses indicating bowel obstruction or tumors.
Tenderness may suggest internal bleeding.

Considerations for Assessing Children

Limited information due to shyness or inability to communicate; rely on physical findings and vital signs.
For young children, conduct exams from toe-to-head to build trust and reduce fear.
Always assess for trauma; children are highly susceptible to dehydration and infection.

Reassessment Goals

Monitor overall patient condition and effectiveness of interventions.
Identify trends in vital signs.

Reassessment Procedure

Repeat primary assessment focusing on airway, breathing, and circulation.
Address the chief complaint and recheck vital signs; assess small wounds.
Perform reassessment whenever a patient's condition changes.

Frequency of Vital Sign Monitoring

Stable patients: recheck vital signs every 15 minutes.
Unstable or critically ill patients: recheck every 5 minutes due to higher deterioration risk.

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Description

These flashcards cover essential concepts related to the secondary assessment in patient evaluation. You'll learn about its purpose and the components involved in gathering quantifiable information regarding a patient's health. Ideal for healthcare professionals and students preparing for examinations.