6 Assessment Fundamentals Free Online FlashCards

What is health assessment, and why is it ongoing?

Assessment systematically gathers reported and observed or measured health information. It establishes a baseline, identifies concerns, and continues as symptoms or conditions change.

What are subjective data?

Subjective data are information the patient reports, such as a symptom or concern.

What are objective data?

Objective data are findings the clinician observes or measures.

How should questions be paced and ordered in a health-history interview?

Ask one question at a time, beginning with open-ended questions before moving to more specific ones.

What should a clinician do when a patient needs language interpretation?

Use a qualified medical interpreter when needed; do not assume a family member should interpret.

What details help characterize a patient's symptoms?

Ask when the symptoms began, where they occur, what they feel like, how severe they are, what changes them, and how they affect daily life.

How should information from a care partner be documented?

Identify who provided information from a care partner, and distinguish reported symptoms from observed signs in documentation.

What is the priority when a patient has severe breathing difficulty or altered responsiveness?

Prioritize immediate assessment and help according to emergency procedures rather than continuing a routine interview.

How should vital-sign findings be interpreted?

Interpret them in context, including the patient's age, activity, symptoms, baseline, medications, measurement conditions, and clinical setting. A single reading is not a diagnosis.

What is a commonly cited resting-adult pulse range?

A commonly cited resting-adult reference range is about 60–100 beats per minute; it is a guide, not a universal target.

How should respiratory rate be assessed?

Observe chest movement and count breaths without prompting the patient to change their breathing. Note rate, rhythm, depth, and effort.

What setup helps obtain an accurate blood pressure measurement?

Use a cuff that fits, place it on a bare upper arm, and support the arm near heart level when circumstances allow. An incorrectly sized cuff or unsupported arm can affect the result.