physical examination

physical examination

is the process of evaluating objective anatomic findings through the use of observation, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.

physical examination

is a routine test your primary care provider (PCP) performs to check your overall health.

methods of physical examination

a complete physical health assessment
laboratory tests

a complete physical health assessment

It includes inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation with a general survey, vital signs, and medical history of a patient with the report after performing a head to toe physical assessment.

laboratory test

may include urinalysis, blood counts, and complete chemistry panels to assess organ function and look for early signs of disease cardiovascular assessment including an electrocardiogram

environment preparation

environment preparation

Lighting: as far as possible natural light should be available in the examination room, because if a patient is jaundiced, it may not be detected in the artificial light. There should be adequate lighting

Comfortable bed or examination table: the patient should be placed comfortably throughout the examination. There should be provision for the maintenance of a suitable person, e.g. a lithotomy position may be maintained when examining the genitalia. To maintain this position, a special examination table with stirrup rods is needed

The room should be warm and without draughts

room preparation

A professional nurse or a medical assistant is responsible for preparing the examination room, making sure the equipment and instruments are disinfected and sanitized, and the supplies are adequately stocked.

The examination room should be clean, well lit, ventilated, and at a comfortable temperature for the patient. After every physical examination and health assessment, the medical assisting should disinfect the room and paper on the surfaces should be removed and replaced

patient preparation

Once the room is ready, a professional nurse escorts the patient from the waiting room to the examination room.

The nurse will create a low-stress and comfortable atmosphere for the patient. By interviewing the patient the nurse will record the patient’s vital signs.

Once the patient puts on the examination gown, and sits on the examination table and the nurse drapes their legs for privacy. Then he notifies the doctor that the patient is ready for the physical examination.

equipment preparation

Preparation of equipment is assembled and available before the examination is begun. The nurse practices picking up equipment, holding it in the position of used, making adjustments and assembling and disassembling

nurse preparation

The nurse should wash his hands in the presence of the patient even if your hands are clean. This simple act will increase his confidence in him as a conscientious professional

normal results

of a physical examination correlate with the healthy appearance and normal functioning of the body

abnormal results

of a physical examination may include any findings that indicated the presence of a disease, disorder, or underlying condition