physical exam
- quantifiable, objective info is obtained from patient
- caring, empathetic approach will get better results
2 elements
- obtaining vital signs
- head to toe survey
exam techniques inspection
- done before palpation
- looking at the patient
- either in general or specific area
exam techniques palpation
- touching to gather info
- DCAPBTLS
exam techniques percussion
- gently striking body surface
- organs = hollow
- PCP only does this with the chest
exam techniques auscultation
- listen with stethoscope
- body generates variety of sounds
- both normal and abnormal
vital signs
-pulse (RRQ)
-respiratory (RRQ)
-blood pressure
-temp
-pulse oximeter
…
BP
- measurement of the force exerted against the walls of the blood vessels
- systolic pressure less 100 low BP (resistance)
- diastolic pressure (pressure in vessels when heart relaxing)
- peripheral artery
BP cuff
-must be appropriate size
pulse measurement
- should assess RRQ of pulse
- extend arm if having trouble
- basic way to evaluate perfusion and CO
- compare proximal/distal pulses
respiratory rate
- RRQ
- can look at chest, abdomen, neck, face (especially if wearing mask)
temp
- tympanic device
- be aware of extrinsic factors that could change temp reading ex. taking advil
pulse oximetry/ O2 saturation
- measures % of hemoglobin is saturated with O2
- anemics can have normal numbers but be SOB!
stethoscope
-acoustic/electronic
patient assessment
- assess environment
- chief complaint
- take care of life threats
- medical history
- physical exam
- be organized/systematic
- reasonably flexible after inital
2 most important pieces of patient history
- patients name
- chief complaint
what kind of question should you start with with a patient
- open ended
- whats going on today that made you call 911?
t/f
ask about being hospitalized about the condition and within 6 months
t
T/F
people will always tell you over the counters they are taken
F
