There are many tools to help you further explore a client’s symptoms or signs. A common one follows the mnemonic PQRSTU as illustrated in Figure 2.2, which offers a systematic approach to asking assessment questions without leaving out any details. Show
The mnemonic is often used to assess pain, but it can also be used to assess many signs and symptoms related to the client’s main health needs, and other signs and symptoms that are discussed during the complete subjective health assessment. Table 2.3 lists examples of prompting questions using this mnemonic.
Table 2.3: The PQRSTU assessment mnemonic The order of questions you ask will often depend on the symptom or sign and the flow of the conversation with the client. You will also want to be aware of responses that don’t seem to align. For example, if a client responds to the question about quantity of pain by saying “the pain isn’t too bad,” but then rates the severity of their pain as being 8/10, you should probe further. It is okay to say to the client, “I noticed you rated your pain fairly high, at 8/10, but you said it isn’t too bad. Can you tell me more about that?” When using the PQRSTU mnemonic for assessment, be sure to apply it comprehensively so that you elicit a full understanding of a particular sign or symptom. See Film Clip 2.2 for effective demonstration of using the PQRSTU mnemonic, and Film Clip 2.3 for ineffective demonstration of using the PQRSTU mnemonic. Film Clip 2.2: Effective use of the PQRSTU mnemonic Film Clip 2.3: Ineffective use of the PQRSTU mnemonic Developmental and Cultural ConsiderationsYounger children or clients with developmental delays or disabilities, or cognitive impairments, may not be able to answer the types of questions shown in Table 2.3. The care partner might be able to help answer some of these questions, and in that case, you should explore “why” and “how” questions. For example, if the care partner indicates that the infant’s pain started two weeks ago, you should ask “Why or how do you know that it started then?” Or if you are working with a young child, you will need to modify your language to be more understandable (e.g., “Where does it hurt?” “Where is your owie?”). You can also assess pain in young children using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (see Figure 2.3). When using this scale, ask the client to choose the face that best depicts the pain they are experiencing. You may need to explain what the faces mean: Face 0 doesn’t hurt at all, Face 2 hurts just a little bit, Face 4 hurts a little bit more, Face 6 hurts even more, Face 8 hurts a whole lot, and Face 10 hurts as much as you can imagine. Figure 2.3: Wong-Baker FACES® Pain Rating Scale Wong-Baker FACES Foundation (2019). Wong-Baker FACES® Pain Rating Scale. Retrieved May 29, 2019, with permission from http://www.WongBakerFACES.org (see their website for licensing)Alternative scales exist to assess pain and other symptoms that are more relevant to certain cultures. See Figure 2.4 for an example of a Sun-Cloud-Pain Scale. On this sliding scale, 0 indicates that the client feels very well whereas 5 indicates that the client is feeling very unwell. Figure 2.4: Sun-Cloud-Pain Scale. Graphic Created Using Icons by Linseed Studio from the Noun Project.Test YourselfWhat is the preferred diagnostic test for evaluating deep lymph nodes?Computed tomography (CT) scan
This scan can help tell if any lymph nodes or organs in your body are enlarged.
Which approach would the nurse use first when completing a skin assessment?Start with the face. While performing skin assessment, the nurse should examine the skin over the entire body in a systematic manner, starting with the face and oral cavity and moving downward over the body helps to avoid missing any area.
Which assessment findings indicate that a patient may be experiencing thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura?Complete blood count (CBC) findings in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) are usually as follows: Total white blood cell count is normal or slightly elevated. Hemoglobin concentration is moderately depressed at 8-9 g/dL. Platelet count generally ranges from 20,000-50,000/μL.
Which condition is the most common cause for Hematemesis quizlet?Conditions that most commonly cause hematemesis include: Bleeding ulcers. A peptic ulcer is an open sore in your stomach or duodenum. It's often caused by a bacterial infection, or by the regular use of NSAIDs or aspirin.
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