When you are deciding which steps to follow in assessing your patient, what should you consider first and why?

When you are deciding which steps to follow in assessing your patient, what should you consider first and why?

A. the past medical history of the patient because it predicts today's problem
B. the primary assessment because that identifies the life threats
C. the physical exam because subtle injuries are often severe
D. the vital signs reveal all the serious medical conditions the patient may have

Answer: B

In most regions, in addition to taking the pulse and respirations, the baseline vital signs of adult medical patients include:

In most regions, in addition to taking the pulse and respirations, the baseline vital signs of adult medical patients include:

A. determining what they last ate
B. assessing the CO2 in their blood
C. determining their capillary refill time
D. the oxygen saturation

Answer: D

When conducting a physical exam of an unconscious adult patient with a suspected medical problem, you remember there was a "Vial of Life" sticker on the front door of the residence. This is important because it may:

When conducting a physical exam of an unconscious adult patient with a suspected medical problem, you remember there was a "Vial of Life" sticker on the front door of the residence. This is important because it may:

A. reveal the patient's name
B. give clues to the patient's home address
C. reveal that additional medical identification is in the refrigerator
D. be the cause of the emergency

Answer: C

When assessing a 28 year old female patient who has a medical complaint, be sure to check the extremities for:

When assessing a 28 year old female patient who has a medical complaint, be sure to check the extremities for:

A. central cyanosis
B. sensation and motor function
C. edema and discoloration
D. capillary refill in all adult patients

Answer: B