Chapter 21 - physical examination

Auscultate

To listen with a stethoscope.

Bruit

An abnormal sound or murmur heard on auscultation of an organ, vessel (e.g., carotid artery, or gland.

Chief complaint

A statement in the patient's own words that describes the reason for the visit.

Chronologic

Arranged in the order of time.

Clarification

Allows the listener to get additional information.

Clubbing

Abnormal enlargement of the distal phalanges (fingers and toes) associated with cyanotic heart disease or advanced chronic pulmonary disease.

Colonoscopy

A procedure in which a fiberoptic scope is used to examine the large intestine.

Congruence

Agreement; the state that occurs when the verbal expression of the message matches the sender’s nonverbal body language.

Correlate

To establish an orderly relationship or connection.

Demographic

Statistical data of a population. In healthcare, this includes the patients name, address, date of birth, employment, and other details.

Electrocardiogram

A record or recording of electrical impulses of the heart produced by an electrocardiograph.

Emphysema

Thinning and eventual destruction of the alveoli; usually accompanies chronic bronchitis.

Extension

The process of stretching out, increasing the angle of a joint.

Familial

Occurring in our affecting members of a family more than would be expected by chance.

Flexion

The process of decreasing the angle of a joint

Gait

The manner or style of walking

History of present illness

Describes the signs and symptoms from the time of onset .

Holistic

Considering the patient as a whole, includes the physical, emotional, social, economic, and spiritual needs of the person.

Inconspicuous

Not noticeable or prominent.

Judicious

Using good judgment, being discreet, sensible.

Manipulation

Movement or exercise of a body part by means of an externally applied force.

Murmur

An abnormal sound heard during auscultation of the heart that may or may not have a pathological origin, it is associated with valve disease or a congenital heart defect.

Nodules

Small lumps, lesions or swellings that are felt when the skin is palpated.

Palpation

The use of touch during the physical examination to assess the size, consistency, and location of certain body parts.

Patient portal

A secure online website that gives patients 24 hour access to personal health information using a username and password.

Perineal

Pertaining to the area between the vaginal opening and the rectum.

Peripheral neuropathy

A problem with the function of the nerves outside the spinal cord, symptoms include weakness, burning pain, and loss of reflexes, a frequent complication of diabetes mellitus.

Rapport

A relationship of harmony and accord between the patient and the healthcare professional.

Sclera

The white part of the eye that forms the orbit.

Signs

Objective findings determined by a clinician, such as a fever, hypertension, or rash.

Symmetry

Similarity in size, form, and arrangement of parts on opposite sides of the body.

Symptoms

Subjective complaints reported by the patient, such as pain or nausea.

Transillumination

Inspection of a cavity or organ by passing light through its walls.

Trauma

A physical injury or wound caused by external force or violence.

Turgor

Referring to normal skin tension, the resistance of the skin to being grasped between the fingers and released. Turgor decreases with dehydration and increases with edema.