Pain & Assessment Techniques
What acronym is used to assess pain?
OLDCARTS or COLDSPA
What is the purpose of the PMI?
Identifies point of maximal impulse of heart
What is the primary assessment for muscle strength?
Strength graded 0–5 with resistance
What nutrient helps with tissue repair and healing?
Protein
What is a key indicator of delayed growth in children?
Growth charts, height/weight percentiles
What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?
Acute: sudden, short-term; Chronic: long-lasting, >6 months
What sound indicates fluid in the lungs?
Crackles (rales)
What test checks for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Phalen’s test or Tinel’s sign
What does BMI assess?
Body Mass Index (weight/height ratio)
What change in the elderly affects drug metabolism?
Decreased liver/kidney function
Which part of the hand is best used to assess vibration?
Base of fingers (ulnar surface)
What are signs of poor perfusion?
Cyanosis, cold extremities, weak pulses
What is lordosis and who commonly has it?
Swayback posture, common in pregnancy/obesity
What bowel sound is expected in normal GI function?
High-pitched gurgling (5–30/min)
What is the significance of fontanelles in infants?
Indicates brain growth and hydration
What is the correct order of physical assessment techniques?
Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation (except abdomen)
What does wheezing usually indicate?
Narrowed airways (e.g. asthma)
What does the Romberg test assess?
Balance and proprioception
What is the function of the large intestine?
Absorbs water, forms stool
What screening is used to assess developmental milestones?
Denver II or ASQ-3
Which technique is performed first in an abdominal exam?
Auscultation (to avoid altering bowel sounds
What test assesses oxygenation status?
Pulse oximetry
What is the grading scale for deep tendon reflexes?
0 = absent, 2+ = normal, 4+ = hyperactive
What dietary recommendation helps prevent constipation?
High-fiber foods and fluids
At what age do children begin to verbalize pain location?
Around age 3