Physical exam

Physical examination or physical exam is a type of healthcare procedure that involves the examination of a patient's body by a physician for signs of disease. It is often performed in a doctor's office, hospital, or clinic.

Overview

A physical examination typically includes a health history, physical examination and sometimes laboratory tests. It is often part of a preventive health check or a diagnostic test. The physical examination helps the doctor to determine the general status of the patient's health and to identify any potential physical disorders.

Procedure

The procedure for a physical examination can vary depending on the patient's age, sex, and health history. However, it generally involves the following steps:

• Medical history: The doctor will ask about the patient's medical history, including any past illnesses, surgeries, or medical conditions. This can help the doctor to identify any potential health risks.

• Vital signs check: The doctor will check the patient's vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, and temperature. This can help the doctor to detect any abnormalities that may indicate a health problem.

• Physical examination: The doctor will examine the patient's body, including the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities. The doctor may use tools such as a stethoscope to listen to the patient's heart and lungs, and a tongue depressor to examine the patient's throat.

• Laboratory tests: Depending on the patient's health history and the results of the physical examination, the doctor may order laboratory tests to further investigate any potential health problems.

Importance

Physical examinations are important for several reasons. They can help to detect disease early, when it is often easier to treat. They can also help to prevent disease by identifying risk factors and providing advice on how to improve health. In addition, physical examinations can help to establish a relationship between the patient and doctor, which can improve the quality of healthcare.

See also

• Medical diagnosis
• Health assessment
• Clinical examination

Physical exam Resources
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