Physical Assessment

Question 1

What vital signs should be taken?

Answer 1

• Pulse/Heart Rate (HR)
• O2 Saturation (%)
• Blood Pressure
• Respiration Rate (RR)
• Temperature
• Pain Level (0-10)

Question 2

What questions would you ask to assess for level of consciousness (LOC)?

Answer 2

• Person: “What is your name?” or “Who is the President of the United States?”
• Place: “Can you tell me where you are?”
• Time: “What is today’s date?” or “What day is it?’
• Situation: “What problem brought you to the hospital?” or “Do you know why you are here?”

Question 3

What does PERRLA stand for?

Answer 3

• Pupils are Equal, Round and Reactive to Light and Accommodation

Question 4

Which adventitious lung sound is characteristic of asthma attacks & COPD exacerbation?

Answer 4

Wheezes

Question 5

How do coarse crackles and fine crackles differ in sound?

Answer 5

• Coarse crackles: Low Pitched (velcro pulled apart)
• Fine crackles: High Pitched (rubbing hair btwn fingers)

Question 6

When performing a physical assessment, what are you auscultating for?

Answer 6

Listening for abnormal sounds in the lungs, heart, or bowel

Question 7

When performing a physical assessment, what are you percussing for?

Answer 7

Detect abnormalities of internal organs (thorax and abdomen)