Question

Perry and Potter Chapter 6

Skill 6.1 General Survey

What is a general survey?

_______________________________________________________________________

List the 22 steps of the assessment piece of the general survey:

Step	Describe components
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22

Answer 1

General survey is the overall health assessment of the patient through observation method. It is the first impression of patient’s physical status. It is a head to toe survey of patient.

The components of general survey are as follows:

1. Physical Appearance—

- Age
- Sex
- Level of Consciousness (LOC)
- Skin Color
- Facial Features
- Overall appearance

2. Body Structure—

- Stature
- Nutrition
- Symmetry
- Posture
- Position
- Body Build/Contour
- Obvious deformities

3. Mobility—

- Gait
- Range of Motion (ROM)

4. Behavior

- Facial expression
- Mood and affect
- Speech
- Speech pattern
- Dress
- Personal hygiene - mental status