Unit B: Physical Exams Study Guide

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering terms, diagnostic instruments, body systems, vital signs, and exam procedures from Unit B: Physical Exams Study Guide.

Arrhythmia

An irregular or abnormal rhythm of the heartbeat.

Auscultation

The act of listening to sounds produced within the body, typically using a stethoscope, to assess organs such as the heart, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract.

Bradycardia

An abnormally slow heart rate.

Circulatory System

The body system comprising the heart, blood vessels, and blood, responsible for circulating oxygen, nutrients, and waste products throughout the body.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by inadequate oxygenation of the blood.

Digestive System

The organ system responsible for ingesting, breaking down, and absorbing food and nutrients, and expelling solid waste.

Dyspnea

Difficult, labored, or painful breathing.

Eupnea

Normal, good, and unlabored resting breathing or respiration.

Gastrointestinal System

The digestive tract and accessory organs that process food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste products.

Genitourinary System

The organ system encompassing both the reproductive organs and the urinary system responsible for waste excretion and reproduction.

Lymphatic System

A network of tissues, vessels, and organs that filters fluids, maintains body fluid balance, and defends the body against infection.

Lymph nodes

Small, bean-shaped structures along lymphatic vessels that filter foreign particles and contain immune cells to fight infections.

Integumentary System

The protective outer covering of the body, consisting of the skin, hair, nails or claws, and associated glands.

Murmur

An abnormal heart sound generated by turbulent blood flow through damaged or narrowed heart valves or chambers.

Musculoskeletal System

The system of bones, muscles, joints, cartilage, and connective tissues that provides structural support, form, and movement.

Nervous System

The network of nerve cells and fibers—including the brain and spinal cord—that transmits nerve impulses and coordinates bodily activities.

Palpation

An examination technique where the clinician uses hands and fingers to feel the body's surface, organs, and tissues to assess size, texture, and tenderness.

Pinna

The external, visible flap of the ear made of cartilage and skin that directs sound waves into the ear canal.

Ophthalmoscope

An instrument with light and lenses used to inspect the interior structure of the eye, particularly the retina and optic nerve.

Otoscope

An instrument used to examine the external ear canal and the tympanic membrane (eardrum).

Respiratory System

The organ system involved in the intake of oxygen and expulsion of carbon dioxide, comprising the airway passages, trachea, and lungs.

Stethoscope

A medical instrument used during auscultation to listen to internal sounds of an animal, such as heartbeats, lung sounds, and intestinal noises.

Tachycardia

An abnormally rapid heart rate.

Tachypnea

An abnormally rapid rate of respiration or breathing.

Signalment

The complete baseline identification of an animal patient, including species, breed, age, sex, and reproductive status.

SOAP System

A standardized clinical recordkeeping method structured into four parts: Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan.

Differential Diagnosis

A list of potential diseases or conditions that could account for a patient's clinical signs, formulated using patient history, physical exam, and clinical data.

Empirical Treatment

Medical therapy initiated based on practical clinical experience, observation, and best medical judgment before definitive lab or diagnostic confirmation.

Symptom-Based Treatment

Therapy aimed specifically at relieving or managing clinical symptoms rather than directly targeting the underlying cause of disease.

Vital Signs

Objective clinical measurements assessing an animal's essential body functions to evaluate basic physiological health.

TPR

A primary veterinary vital sign acronym representing Temperature, Pulse, and Respiration.

Capillary Refill Time (CRT)

A diagnostic test measuring the time it takes for blanched mucous membranes (such as the gums) to return to normal pink color, reflecting peripheral circulation and perfusion.

Regional Approach

A physical exam method where the clinician systematically examines the animal's body section by section (e.g., from head to tail).

Systemic Approach

A physical exam method where the clinician evaluates the patient organ system by individual organ system (e.g., respiratory, nervous, musculoskeletal).