IHSA Patient Assessment & Evaluation 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In IHSA practice, what is the primary purpose of a comprehensive patient assessment?
- To gather baseline data for developing an individualized treatment plan (Correct answer)
- To determine insurance coverage
- To assign a room number
- To schedule follow-up appointments only
Correct answer: To gather baseline data for developing an individualized treatment plan
A comprehensive patient assessment collects baseline physical, psychological, and social data that forms the foundation for an individualized, evidence-based treatment plan tailored to the patient's specific needs.
Question 2: Which assessment tool does a IHSA professional use to evaluate pain levels?
- Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) or Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (Correct answer)
- Blood pressure cuff
- Stethoscope only
- Thermometer
Correct answer: Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) or Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
The Numeric Rating Scale (0-10) and Visual Analog Scale are validated, standardized tools for assessing subjective pain intensity, allowing consistent communication between patients and healthcare providers.
Question 3: What is the correct order of physical assessment techniques used by IHSA practitioners?
- Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation (Correct answer)
- Auscultation, percussion, inspection, palpation
- Palpation, inspection, auscultation, percussion
- Percussion, auscultation, palpation, inspection
Correct answer: Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation
The standard sequence is inspection (visual observation), palpation (touch), percussion (tapping), and auscultation (listening). This order prevents one technique from altering findings of subsequent ones.
Question 4: During IHSA patient assessment, what does the SOAP format stand for?
- Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan (Correct answer)
- Standard Operating Assessment Protocol
- Systematic Observation and Analysis Procedure
- Safety, Observation, Action, Prevention
Correct answer: Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan
SOAP notes organize clinical documentation into four categories: Subjective (patient's reported symptoms), Objective (measurable findings), Assessment (clinical judgment), and Plan (treatment approach).
Question 5: In IHSA assessment, what does 'informed consent' require?
- Explaining the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives in terms the patient understands (Correct answer)
- Only obtaining a signature on a form
- Verbal agreement without documentation
- Consent from the insurance company
Correct answer: Explaining the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives in terms the patient understands
Informed consent requires that the patient receives a clear explanation of the proposed treatment, its risks and benefits, available alternatives, and the right to refuse—all in understandable language—before providing voluntary agreement.
Question 6: What is the Glasgow Coma Scale used to assess in IHSA practice?
- Level of consciousness based on eye, verbal, and motor responses (Correct answer)
- Pain intensity only
- Respiratory function
- Blood oxygen saturation
Correct answer: Level of consciousness based on eye, verbal, and motor responses
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) quantifies level of consciousness by scoring three components: eye opening (1-4), verbal response (1-5), and motor response (1-6), with scores ranging from 3 (deep coma) to 15 (fully alert).
IHSA Patient Assessment & Evaluation 1
In IHSA practice, what is the primary purpose of a comprehensive patient assessment?