Vitals
These are the names for the top and bottom numbers of blood pressure
systolic/diastolic
What type of data is a reported pain level of 5/10
Subjective. Even though this is part of your assessment in gathering objective data, pain is always subjective; we cannot see pain, and pain is what the patient says it is.
dress, posture and hygiene comprise what part of the mental status exam
Appearance
The duration to assess nl vs abnormal pulse rhythm
30 sec x2; 60 seconds manually
One tip when performing assessments on infants
least invasive, assess in the order that is most appropriate, parents lap, play with equipment
Normal pulse strength for a healthy adult
2+. Pulse grading scale is 0 for absent, 1+ for weak; 2+ for normal; 3+ for bounding. Affected by stress, meds, hydration status
"Tell me about how and when you take your blood pressure." is an example of which type of questioning
open-ended questioning
The bedside test that ask the pt to recall 3 words after drawing a clock
Mini-Cog
ABC's
airway, breathing, circulation to prioritize patients/diagnoses to rule out
Common but concerning blood pressure finding in geriatric patients
hypertension
What is the normal range for respiratory rate for an adult?
10-24. Bradypnea < 10, Tachypnea > 10. Affected by meds, spinal cord injury
What are some special considerations when gathering hx on your patient?
Nonverbal; acute situations; impairment from drugs or alcohol; hearing or vision impairment; cognitive impairment or altered mental state; health literacy; not forthcoming; emotional state and non verbal cues;
logic, content, insight/perception comprise what category of mental status exam
Thought process
nail polish
This may be an expected finding with inspection of respiratory rate in geriatric patients and pregnancy
more easily SOB, deeper respirations in the latter
What is a normal POX range?
97-99% on room air. Anemia, lung disease, nail polish, cold extremities may affect this.
Explain OLDCARTS
Onset Location Duration Characteristics Aggravating, Relieving/Radiating, Timing, Severity
mood/affect comprise what part of the mental status exam
behavior
one at a time, with the bell
This vital sign may not show an abnormality in a geriatric patient
temperature
Explain the correct blood pressure cuff size for an adult with normal BMI
length covers 80% of the arm circumference; width covers 2/3 of their upper arm
List five parts of patient medical history
childhood and chronic illness, accidents/trauma, hospitalizations, surgical, ob, vaccines, allergies, medications,
List two items involved when examining cognition as part of mental status )
orientation, memory
Two pieces of patient education to lower risk of cardiovascular disease
smoking cessation, weight management, BP/chol management, exercise
What occurs to blood pressure during pregnancy?
Decreases by 5mmHg d/t vasodilation to accommodate blood extra volume to support the fetus