It's a SINSS
In the acronym SINSS, the first "S" stands for this term, which refers to the intensity of the patient's pain (often rated 0-10).
What is Severity?
A screening of the Integumentary system includes checking for skin color, surgical incisions, edema, and these.
What are Wounds or Scars?
The normal ROM for Knee Flexion.
What is 130–140 degrees?
Testing Shoulder Abduction assesses this Myotome level.
What is C5?
A Normal blood pressure reading is defined as these systolic and diastolic values.
What is <120 / <80?
This type of question is best used when trying to "dig for direct information," such as confirming a history of heart disease or smoking.
What is a Closed-Ended Question?
Assessing a patient's orientation (person, place, time) falls under this specific system in the Systems Review.
What is Cognition?
The normal ROM for Ankle Dorsiflexion.
What is 15–20 degrees?
Sensation for the L4 dermatome is tested at this anatomical landmark.
What is the Medial Malleolus (Ankle)?
Stage 1 Hypertension is defined by a systolic reading of 130–139 OR a diastolic reading greater than this.
What is >80?
In the SINSS model, "Irritability" assesses these two specific factors regarding a patient's pain.
What are what activities bring on the pain and how long it takes to calm down?
The Neuromuscular screen involves checking balance, sensation, reflexes, and this quality of movement.
What is Gait (or Coordination/Motor Control)?
The normal ROM for Hip Internal Rotation.
What is 30–45 degrees?
The Patellar Tendon reflex tests this spinal level.
What is L2-L4?
Orthostatic Intolerance is distinct from general hypotension because it involves a rapid drop in BP due to this.
What is a Change in Position (e.g., Supine to Standing)?
The "Nature" component of SINSS refers to this aspect of the patient's condition.
What is the Description or Kind of pain (e.g., burning, aching)?
Unlike a "Review of Systems" which is a detailed verbal accounting, a "Systems Review" is defined as this type of evaluation.
What is a Hands-on screening (or brief physical evaluation)?
The normal ROM for Cervical Rotation.
What is 50–90 degrees?
Testing Great Toe Extension (Hallux Extension) assesses this Myotome level.
What is L5?
When taking blood pressure, the cuff should be inflated to 180–200 mmHg and released at this rate.
What is 2-3 mmHg per second?
One of the "4 Habits" of communication involves asking for the patient's opinion on next steps to increase motivation.
What is Elicit the Patient's Perspective?
A screening of the Integumentary system checks for skin color, wounds/scars, and this specific sign of swelling.
What is Edema?
The normal ROM for Lumbar Extension.
What is 20–42 degrees?
Sensation for the C6 dermatome is tested at the dorsal aspect of this digit.
What is the Thumb?
An Abnormal blood pressure response to exercise includes a systolic reading >210 or a diastolic rise of more than this amount.
What is 15 mmHg?