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About Health AssessmentsMany people who visit the doctor or healthcare provider's office wonder: "What are they doing? What are they looking for?" During a physical examination, there are many things that your healthcare provider may be looking for as they are gathering cues and clues, during the short time you are in the office. Some of the clues are based on the spoken information that you provide, or they may be based on physical examination findings. During a health assessment, diagnosing an illness, disorder or a condition is like a puzzle. Diagnosis often includes laboratory studies, radiology studies to look at certain organs, and the physical exam itself. This process is called data collection. Before modern technology, it was important for healthcare providers to perfect their physical examination techniques, because x-ray machines, scanners, and echocardiograms were non-existent. In a physical examination, there are many things that your healthcare provider can find out by using their hands to feel (palpate), stethoscope and ears to listen, and eyes to see. Findings that are present on the physical exam may by themselves diagnose, or be helpful to diagnose, many diseases. The components of a physical exam include: InspectionYour examiner will look at, or "inspect" specific areas of your body for normal color, shape and consistency. Certain findings on "inspection" may alert your healthcare provider to focus other parts of the physical exam on certain areas of your body. For example, your legs may be swollen. Your healthcare provider will then pay special attention to the common things that cause leg swelling, such as extra fluid caused by your heart, and use this information to help them make a diagnosis. Common areas that are inspected may include:
PalpationThis is when the examiner uses their hands to feel for abnormalities during a health assessment. Things that are commonly palpated during an exam include your lymph nodes, chest wall (to see if your heart is beating harder than normal), and your abdomen. He or she will use palpation to see if there are any masses or lumps, anywhere in your body. PercussionThis is when the examiner uses their hands to "tap" on an area of your body. The "tapping" produces different sounds. Depending on the kind of sounds that are produced over your abdomen, on your back or chest wall, your healthcare provider may determine anything from fluid in your lungs, or a mass in your stomach. This will provide further clues to a possible diagnosis. AuscultationThis is an important physical examination technique used by your healthcare provider, where he or she will listen to your heart, lungs, neck or abdomen, to identify if any problems are present. Auscultation is often performed by using a stethoscope. The stethoscope will amplify sounds heard in the area that is being listened to. If there is an abnormal finding on your examination, further testing may be suggested.
The Neurologic Examination:
Note: We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments. The information contained in this website is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for medical advice. Chemocare.com is designed to provide the latest information about chemotherapy to patients and their families, caregivers and friends. For information about the 4th Angel Mentoring Program visit www.4thangel.org What is the vital in maintaining vision and a healthy outlook for clients?Explanation: Nursing education is vital in maintaining vision and a healthy outlook for clients.
When assessing patients with visual changes which type of exam should be completed?The visual acuity test is used to determine the smallest letters you can read on a standardized chart (Snellen chart) or a card held 20 feet (6 meters) away.
What eye function is the nurse preparing to assess when the patient is asked to stand 20 feet from a specific chart?Explanation: The Snellen chart tests distant visual acuity by seeing how far the client can read the letters standing 20 feet from the chart.
What action should the nurse take when testing a client's near vision?Ask the patient to look at a near object (4-6 inches away from the eyes), and then move the object out to a distance of 12 inches. Pupils should constrict while viewing a near object and then dilate while looking at a distant object, and both eyes should move together.
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