Patient Assessment

Question 1

For which patients would you check circulation before airway and breathing? (CAB vs ABC)

Answer 1

Unresponsive patients.

Question 2

Name at least 2 questions you can ask a Pt about their head during the head-to-toe and functional inquiry.

Answer 2

• Do you get regular headaches? How severe are they?
• Have you ever had problems sleeping?
• Do you ever have unusual memory problems?
• Do you ever have sensory disturbances? (hallucinations, voices, smells, etc.)
  + Any more you can justify asking!

Question 3

Name at least 1 question you can as a Pt about their neck during the head-to-toe and functional inquiry.

Answer 3

• Do you ever have pain in your neck?
• Do you ever have problems swallowing?
• Have you noticed any blood in your spit or when you cough?
  + Any more you can justify asking!

Question 4

Name at least 2 questions you can ask a Pt about their chest during the head-to-toe and functional inquiry.

Answer 4

• Are you short of breath?
• Does it hurt to breathe?
• Do you have chest pain?
• Have you noticed a funny feeling in your heartbeat?
  + Any more you can justify asking!

Question 5

Name at least 2 questions you can ask a Pt about their abdomen during the head-to-toe and functional inquiry.

Answer 5

• Have you had any abnormal bowel movements?
• Have you changed your diet recently?
• Have you gone travelling recently?
• Do you have pain in your abdomen? Where?
  + Any more you can justify asking!

Question 6

Name at least 2 questions you can ask a Pt about their extremities (musculoskeletal) during the head-to-toe and functional inquiry.

Answer 6

• Do you have any ABNORMAL pain, swelling or weakness?
• Any numbness or tingling?
• Can you wiggle your toes/fingers for me?
• Can you tell which toe/finger I’m touching?
  + Any more you can justify asking!

Question 7

Name at least 2 questions you can ask a Pt about their skin during the head-to-toe and functional inquiry.

Answer 7

• Have you noticed any ABNORMAL rashes or changes of colour in your skin?
• Any recent cuts or potential avenues for infection?
• Any new swelling/edema?
  + Any more you can justify asking!

Question 8

Name at least 2 questions you can ask a Pt about their endocrine system during the head-to-toe and functional inquiry.

Answer 8

• Has a doctor ever diagnosed you with diabetes or told you that you may be at risk for diabetes?
• Have you ever experienced rapid and unexplained weight gain/loss?
• Are you taking any medication that might affect your hormones?
  + Any more you can justify asking!