← Home
Patient Assessment Study Cards
Free Nursing Revision Flashcards
Cover the systematic approach to patient assessment, vital sign interpretation, NEWS scoring and clinical observations with these free Nursing flashcards. Ideal for students preparing for clinical placements.
Question
What are the five components of a primary nursing assessment?
tap to flip
Answer
Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability (neurological status), and Exposure (ABCDE) — a systematic approach for any acutely unwell patient.
tap to flip
Question
What are normal adult vital sign ranges?
tap to flip
Answer
Temperature: 36–37.5°C. Pulse: 60–100 bpm. Respirations: 12–20/min. Blood pressure: 90–120/60–80 mmHg. SpO₂: 95–100%.
tap to flip
Question
What is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?
tap to flip
Answer
A neurological assessment scoring eye opening (1–4), verbal response (1–5), and motor response (1–6). Max = 15 (fully conscious); ≤8 = severe impairment, consider airway protection.
tap to flip
Question
What is a pain assessment and what scales are used?
tap to flip
Answer
Systematic evaluation of pain using patient-reported scales — Numeric Rating Scale (0–10), FACES scale (for children), or ABBEY scale (for non-verbal patients).
tap to flip
Question
What does SBAR stand for in nursing communication?
tap to flip
Answer
Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation — a structured communication tool for handing over patient information clearly and safely.
tap to flip
Question
What is a pressure ulcer and how are they staged?
tap to flip
Answer
Localised injury to skin/underlying tissue from prolonged pressure. Staged 1–4: Stage 1 = non-blanchable redness; Stage 4 = full-thickness tissue loss with exposed bone/tendon.
tap to flip
Question
What is the Braden Scale used for?
tap to flip
Answer
Assessing pressure ulcer risk — scores sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear. Lower scores = higher risk.
tap to flip
Question
What is fluid balance and why is it monitored?
tap to flip
Answer
The difference between fluid intake and output over 24 hours. Imbalances indicate dehydration (negative balance) or fluid overload (positive balance) — critical in renal, cardiac, and critically ill patients.
tap to flip
Question
What are signs of dehydration in a patient?
tap to flip
Answer
Dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, concentrated dark urine, hypotension, tachycardia, sunken eyes, and confusion in severe cases.
tap to flip
Question
What is the NEWS2 score?
tap to flip
Answer
National Early Warning Score 2 — aggregates vital signs (respiration rate, SpO₂, systolic BP, pulse, consciousness, temperature) to detect deteriorating patients and trigger escalation.
tap to flip
🔒
See all 20 cards for free
Create a free account to unlock the full deck — no payment needed.