Comprehensive Assessment Guide: Objective and Subjective Findings in Various Health Assessments

QUESTION

Abdominal Assessment

• Normal/abnormal findings
• Inspection, auscultation, palpation, percussion – order for assessment, what you would feel/hear while moving around abdomen (normal/abnormal)
• Pain in different areas of the abdomen are associated with what problem

Musculoskeletal changes across the life span (normal/abnormal)

• Spinal assessment
• Pregnancy changes
• Location of joints
• Flexion and extension of joints

Cranial nerves

• Problems related to specific cranial nerve
• Know what each cranial nerve controls
• Dermatomes

Neurological assessment

• Romberg test
• Different reflexes – normal/abnormal across the life span
• How to test different reflexes
• Function of each area of the brain

Respiratory assessment

• Normal/abnormal findings
• Location of different problems (ex. Where would you auscultate PNA and what would it sound like)
• Normal/abnormal sounds across the lung field

Cardiac assessment

• Location of normal/abnormal sounds
• Differences across the lifespan
• Location of pulses/how to assess these pulses

Peripheral vascular assessment

• Normal/abnormal findings during assessment
• Edema

Objective vs. subjective findings

ANSWER

Comprehensive Assessment Guide: Objective and Subjective Findings in Various Health Assessments

Introduction

Health assessments play a crucial role in determining the overall well-being of individuals across different body systems. This essay provides a comprehensive overview of various assessments, including abdominal, musculoskeletal, cranial nerves, neurological, respiratory, cardiac, and peripheral vascular assessments. We will explore the normal and abnormal findings, the order for assessment, associated pain locations, and objective versus subjective findings within each assessment. Understanding these assessments and their findings enables healthcare professionals to identify potential health issues and provide appropriate interventions.

Abdominal Assessment

Normal/Abnormal Findings: Normal findings include a soft, non-tender abdomen without masses or organ enlargement. Abnormal findings may include abdominal distension, tenderness, organ enlargement, masses, or abnormal bowel sounds.
Assessment Order: Inspection, auscultation, palpation, and percussion.
Pain Locations: Pain in different areas of the abdomen may indicate various problems, such as right lower quadrant pain associated with appendicitis or left upper quadrant pain associated with splenic enlargement.

Musculoskeletal Changes Across the Lifespan

Spinal Assessment: Assess spinal alignment, range of motion, and any abnormalities.
Pregnancy Changes: Changes in posture, increased lumbar lordosis, and joint laxity.
Location of Joints: Identify and assess various joints, including the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, etc.
Flexion and Extension of Joints: Assess the range of motion and any limitations.

Cranial Nerves

Problems Related to Specific Cranial Nerves: Each cranial nerve is associated with specific functions, and problems may manifest as issues with vision, hearing, taste, speech, facial movements, etc.
 Function of Each Cranial Nerve: Familiarize oneself with the functions of each cranial nerve to identify abnormalities accurately.
Dermatomes: Dermatomes represent specific areas of the skin innervated by different spinal nerves and can be assessed for sensory abnormalities.

 Neurological Assessment

Romberg Test: Assess the ability to maintain balance with eyes closed.
Reflexes: Test different reflexes, such as the deep tendon reflexes (e.g., knee jerk reflex), and note normal or abnormal responses.
Function of Each Area of the Brain: Understand the role of different brain regions in motor, sensory, cognitive, and autonomic functions.

 Respiratory Assessment

Normal/Abnormal Findings: Normal findings include clear breath sounds and symmetrical chest movement. Abnormal findings may include decreased breath sounds, wheezing, crackles, or increased work of breathing.
Location of Problems: Auscultate different lung fields to identify problems. For example, pneumonia may present with abnormal sounds in the affected area.

Cardiac Assessment

Location of Normal/Abnormal Sounds: Auscultate different areas of the heart, such as the mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonary areas, to detect normal heart sounds or abnormalities like murmurs or gallops.
Differences Across the Lifespan: Understand the normal variations in heart sounds and rhythms at different ages, from infancy to adulthood.
 Location of Pulses: Assess peripheral pulses, such as the radial, brachial, femoral, dorsalis pedis, and posterior tibial pulses, to determine their presence and strength.

Peripheral Vascular Assessment

Normal/Abnormal Findings: Normal findings include equal pulses bilaterally, no edema, and intact peripheral circulation. Abnormal findings may include weak or absent pulses, edema, or signs of poor perfusion.

Edema: Assess for edema in various body parts, such as the lower extremities, hands, or face.

Objective vs. Subjective Findings

Objective findings are measurable and observable signs, such as physical examination findings or laboratory results. Subjective findings are symptoms reported by the patient, such as pain, fatigue, or dizziness. Healthcare professionals must consider both objective and subjective findings to form a comprehensive assessment and develop an appropriate care plan.

Conclusion

Thorough health assessments encompass a range of evaluations across different body systems. Understanding the normal and abnormal findings, assessment order, associated pain locations, and objective versus subjective findings is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. By utilizing a systematic approach to assessments, healthcare professionals can gather essential information, identify potential health issues, and provide appropriate interventions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and overall well-being.