Lecture Notes: Week Six - Patient Preparation and Specialty Assistance

General Overview

• Focus this Week: Patient preparation, assisting with reproductive and urinary specialties.
• Key Areas: Not limited to physical exams, includes specific exams like pap smears in gynecology and pediatric assistance.

Pediatrics

Infant Measurements

• Tools: Use a teddy bear or doll for practice.
• Measurements:
  • Head Circumference: To monitor brain growth.
  • Chest Circumference: To monitor chest growth.
  • Length: Measured when the infant cannot stand.
• Method:
  • Use a tape measure (sanitize with alcohol).
  • Measure head and chest in centimeters, length in inches.
  • Document on table paper to avoid forgetting.
  • Involve parent or guardian in the process.

Geriatrics

• Physical and Sensory Changes:
  • Skin thinning, osteoporosis, impaired vision.
  • Importance of effective communication and medication compliance.

Patient Examination and Roles

General Physical Exam

• MA Role:
  • Prepare and ensure availability of supplies.
  • Conduct patient interview and obtain subjective (symptoms) and objective (vital signs) data.
  • Educate patients on self-examinations and other health issues.

Examination Methods

• Inspection: Visual examination.
• Auscultation: Listening to body sounds (e.g., heart and lungs) using a stethoscope.
• Palpation: Using touch to assess body parts.
• Percussion: Tapping to detect abnormalities.
• Mensuration: Measuring with tools like tape measures.
• Manipulation: Assessing range of motion in joints.

Specialties and Procedures

Gynecology and Obstetrics

• Exams:
  • Regular breast and cervical cancer screenings.
  • Use of a speculum for vaginal exams.
  • Importance of obtaining accurate menstrual cycle information.

Urology

• Common Procedures:
  • Vasectomies for male patients.
  • Examination involves palpation of kidneys/bladder and external genital inspection.

Pediatric Specialties

• Common Diseases: Cold, influenza, ear infections, bronchitis, RSV, conjunctivitis.
• Immunizations: Follow CDC guidelines for vaccination schedules and informed consent.

Examination Positions

• Sitting and Supine: General examination positions.
• Lithotomy: Gynecological exams.
• Fowler’s and Semi-Fowler’s: Used for patients with respiratory issues.
• Prone and Sims: Used for posterior exams.
• Knee-Chest and Proctologic: Specific procedures.

Key Takeaways

• Documentation: Always document patient details and examination outcomes clearly.
• Patient Interaction: Ensure patient comfort and understanding during exams.
• Role of MAs: Critical in preparing, assisting in exams, and educating patients.

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Note: These notes are designed to capture the main points and procedures discussed during the lecture for study and review purposes.