Physical examination



Definition

A physical examination is the evaluation of a body to determine its state of health. The techniques of inspection include palpation (feeling with the hands and/or fingers), percussion (tapping with the fingers), auscultation (listening), and smell. A complete health assessment also includes gathering information about a person's medical history and lifestyle, conducting laboratory tests, and screening for disease. These elements constitute the data on which a diagnosis is made and a plan of treatment is developed.


Purpose

The term annual physical examination has been replaced in most health care circles by periodic health examination. The frequency with which it is conducted depends on factors such as the age, gender, and the presence of risk factors for disease in the person being examined. Health-care professionals often use guidelines that have been developed by organizations such as the United States Preventative Services Task Force. Organizations such as the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association, which promote detection and prevention of specific diseases, generally recommend more intensive or frequent examinations, or suggest that examinations be focused on particular organ systems of the body.

Comprehensive physical examinations provide opportunities for health care professionals to obtain baseline information about individuals that may be useful in the future. They also allow health care providers to establish relationships before problems occur. Physical examinations are appropriate times to answer questions and teach good health practices. Detecting and addressing problems in their early stages can have beneficial long-term results.

Every person should have periodic physical examinations. These occur frequently (monthly at first) in infants and gradually reach a frequency of once per year for adolescents and adults.


Description

A complete physical examination usually starts at the head and proceeds all the way to the toes. However, the exact procedure will vary according to the needs of the person being examined and the preferences of the examiner. An average examination takes about 30 minutes. The cost of an examination will depend on the charge for professional time and any tests that are included. Most health plans cover routine physical examinations, including some tests.

The examination

Before examiners question the patient, they will observe a person's overall appearance, general health, and behavior. Measurements of height and weight are made. Vital signs such as pulse, breathing rate, body temperature, and blood pressure are recorded.

With the person being examined in a sitting position, the following systems are reviewed:

While the person is lying down on the examining table, the examination includes:

The head should be slightly raised to examine:

The person being examined should lie flat for an examination of the:

In addition to evaluating a person's alertness and mental ability during the initial conversation, inspection of the nervous system may include:

Diagnosis/Preparation

The individual being examined should be comfortable and treated with respect throughout the examination. As the examination continues, examiners should explain what they are doing and share any relevant findings. Using language appropriate to the person being examined improves the effectiveness of communications and ultimately fosters better relations between examiners and examinees.

Before visiting a health care professional, individuals should write down important facts and dates about their own medical history, as well as those of family members. There should be a complete listing of all medications and their dosages. This list should include over-the-counter preparations, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some people bring their bottles of medications with them. Any questions or concerns about medications should be written down.

Before the physical examination begins, the bladder should be emptied. A urine specimen is usually collected in a small container at this time. The urine is tested for the presence of glucose (sugar), protein, and blood cells. For some blood tests, individuals may be told ahead of time not to eat or drink for 12 hours prior to the test.

Individuals being examined usually remove all clothing and put on a loose-fitting hospital gown. An additional sheet is provided to keep persons covered and comfortable during the examination.


Aftercare

Once a physical examination has been completed, the person being examined and the examiner should review what laboratory tests have been ordered, why they have been selected, and how and with whom the results will be shared. A health professional should discuss any recommendations for treatment and follow-up visits. Special instructions should be put in writing. This is also an opportunity for persons to ask any remaining questions about their own health concerns.


Risks

There are virtually no risks associated with a physical examination. Complications with the process of a physical examination are unusual. Occasionally, a useful piece of information or data may be overlooked. More commonly, results of associated laboratory tests compel physicians to recheck an individual or reexamine portions of the body already reviewed. In a sense, complications may arise from the findings of a physical examination. These usually trigger further investigations or initiate treatment. They are really more beneficial than negative, as they often begin a process of treatment and recovery.


Normal results

Normal results of a physical examination correspond to the healthy appearance and normal functioning of the body. For example, appropriate reflexes will be present, no suspicious lumps or lesions will be found, and vital signs will be normal.

Abnormal results of a physical examination include any findings that indicate the presence of a disorder, disease, or underlying condition. For example, the presence of lumps or lesions, fever, muscle weakness or lack of tone, poor reflex response, heart arrhythmia, or swelling of lymph nodes will indicate possible health problems.


Resources

books

Bickley, L. S., P. G. Szilagyi, and J. G. Stackhouse. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination & History Taking, 8th edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2002.

Chan, P. D., and P. J. Winkle. History and Physical Examination in Medicine, 10th edition. New York: Current Clinical Strategies, 2002.

Seidel, Henry M. Mosby's Physical Examination Handbook, 4th edition. St. Louis, MO: Mosby-Year Book, 2003.

Swartz, Mark A., and William Schmitt. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination, 4th edition. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2001.

periodicals

Ahmed, A. M. "Deficiencies of Physical Examination Among Medical Students." Saudi Medical Journal, 24, no.1 (2003): 108–111.

organizations

American Academy of Family Physicians. 11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Leawood, KS 66211-2672. (913) 906-6000. E-mail: http://fp@aafp.org. http://www.aafp.org .

American Academy of Pediatrics. 141 Northwest Point Boulevard, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-1098. (847) 434-4000; Fax: (847) 434-8000. E-mail: http://kidsdoc@aap.org. http://www.aap.org/default.htm .

American College of Physicians. 190 N Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA 19106-1572. (800) 523-1546, x2600, or (215) 351-2600. http://www.acponline.org .

American Medical Association. 515 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60610. (312) 464-5000. http://www.ama-assn.org .

other

Karolinska Institute. [cited March 1, 2003]. http://isp.his.ki.se/text/physical.htm .

Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. [cited March 1, 2003]. http://www.meddean.luc.edu/lumen/MedEd/MEDICINE/PULMONAR/PD/Pdmenu.htm .

National Library of Medicine. [cited March 1, 2003]. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002274.htm .

Review of Systems School of Medical Transcription. [cited March 1, 2003]. http://www.mtmonthly.com/studentcorner/cpe.htm .


L. Fleming Fallon, Jr. MD, DrPH

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?



A physical examination is best performed by a trained physician. Other health care professionals such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners have similar but limited training. Examinations are usually performed in professional medical offices or hospitals. Occasionally, they may be performed in private homes or in the field.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR





Also read article about Physical Examination from Wikipedia

User Contributions:

1
ticksuan
nice forum to join and learn and sharpen the PE skill....
2
janelle
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3
siali
include the pulheems in the article.otherwise your article is very informative precise
4
ls
I just went to have a physical exam and the doctor did not take down my medical history nor ask any questions about my lifestyle. This was my first visit to this doctor. This isn't standard, right?
Thank you for this very informative review. It is very thorough and covered far more then I ever expected. I am grateful to you for the information and detail given. It has helped to put my concerns and anxiety to rest. Again, thank you.
what the definition the good condition status physical examination?...
Very informative. I have a physical later today and just wanted to be prepared by having knowledge of purpose of different segments of exam as well as preparation for exam. I have used this knowledge to assemble a list of questions and a list of things to bring to the doctor's attention.
Thanks
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9
Sharlet
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Thanks again !
10
Howard
What if there is a exam you not want done ??? I'm 44
11
Dr.Kamran
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