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Mental Status and Neurological Assessment Study Guide

This guide provides a detailed overview of the respiratory system, focusing on the anatomy of the thorax and lungs, methods for gathering patient history, and the systematic physical examination process (IPPA). It covers normal and abnormal findings, including breath sounds and vital signs, to aid in the identification of respiratory conditions.

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Eye Anatomy, Function, and Assessment

Ocular Anatomy and Eye Assessment

This content reviews normal structure and functions of eyes, including external anatomy, extraocular muscles, and internal anatomy.

  • External anatomy of the eye
  • Extraocular muscles
  • Nerves controlling eye movement
  • Internal anatomy of the eye
  • Pupillary response
  • Lacrimal apparatus
  • Conjugate movement
  • Visual information processing

Skin, Hair, and Nails Assessment

Physical Examination Techniques and Integumentary Structure

Discuss the four basic techniques used in a physical examination and review the normal structure and function of the skin, hair, and nails.

  • Inspection
  • Palpation
  • Skin functions
  • Hair structure
  • Sebaceous glands
  • Eccrine sweat glands
  • Apocrine glands

Skin, Hair, and Nails Assessment

Discuss the rationale for the collection of subjective data and complete a focused skin, hair and nails assessment using the PQRST(A)U and ABCDE’s.

  • Subjective data collection rationale
  • PQRST(A)U assessment guide
  • ABCDE’s of skin screening
  • Malignant melanoma risk factors
  • Skin, hair, and nails inspection
  • Palpation of skin temperature, moisture, texture, and turgor
  • Nail shape, colour, thickness, capillary refill, and clubbing
  • Environmental and occupational hazards
  • Self-care behaviours
  • Skin cancer prevention

Thorax, Lungs, and Respiratory Assessment

Thorax, Lungs, and Respiratory Assessment

Review of the normal structure and function of the thorax and lungs including subjective data collection and objective data collection of the thorax and lungs.

  • Thoracic cage structure
  • Lung anatomy and lobes
  • Respiratory centre function
  • Subjective respiratory data collection
  • PQRST(A)U assessment guide
  • Objective data collection IPPA
  • Inspection of respiratory rate and rhythm
  • Palpation of chest expansion and tactile fremitus
  • Percussion of intercostal spaces

Focused Eye Assessment and Lifespan Changes

Focused Eye Assessment and Lifespan Changes

This content discusses subjective and objective data collection for eye assessments and identifies changes across the lifespan.

  • Subjective data collection
  • PQRST(A)U assessment guide
  • Central visual acuity
  • Snellen Eye Chart
  • Near vision test
  • Confrontation test
  • Extraocular muscle function
  • Corneal light reflex
  • Diagnostic positions test
  • External eye structures inspection
  • Pupillary response
  • Lifespan vision changes
  • Presbyopia
  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Macular degeneration

Respiratory Assessment and Lung Conditions

Respiratory Assessment and Lung Sound Identification

Study notes covering auscultation techniques, normal and adventitious breath sounds, respiratory patterns, and assessment findings for various pulmonary conditions.

  • Auscultation techniques
  • Normal breath sounds
  • Adventitious sounds
  • Pneumonia assessment
  • Asthma assessment
  • Chronic bronchitis and COPD
  • Clubbing
  • Pleural effusion
  • Respiratory patterns
  • Tachypnea
  • Bradypnea
  • Apnea
  • Hyperventilation
  • Hypoventilation
  • Kussmaul breathing
  • Biot/ataxic breathing
  • Orthopnea
  • Crackles
  • Wheezes

Mental Status and Neurological Assessment

Mental Status and Neurological Assessment

A guide to performing mental status examinations using the ABCT mnemonic, Glasgow Coma Scale, and PERRLA assessment.

  • ABCT mnemonic
  • Mental status examination
  • Appearance, behaviour, cognitive function and thought processes
  • Cognitive function
  • Orientation
  • Attention span
  • Memory
  • Thought processes
  • Perceptions
  • Insight
  • Judgment
  • Level of consciousness
  • Vital signs
  • PERRLA assessment
  • Pupil reaction to light
  • Accommodation

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