Inspection is performed by using one's
a. hearing and vision. c. touch and vision.
b. smell and vision. d. vision only.
B
Inspection is the use of one's sense of vision and smell to consciously observe the patient. It is an ongoing process that the nurse uses throughout the entire physical assessment and patient encounter. Observing body symmetry is one of the first steps in examining a body system. The process of visual inspection necessitates full exposure of the body part being inspected. Lighting must be adequate. When necessary, tangential lighting should be used. This is light that is shone at an angle on the patient to accentuate shadows and highlight subtle findings.
The nurse's olfactory sense provides vital information about a patient's health status.
Distinctive odors provide clues leading to the diagnosis of certain conditions. The odors may range from objectionable to bland to rather pleasant. The descriptors include fishy, putrid, fetid, alcoholic, bitter almond, and so on. A fruity breath odor is characteristic of diabetic ketoacidosis. The classic odor emitted by a Pseudomonas infection is another well-recognized smell to the experienced nurse.
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