Physical Examination Techniques

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Where is the dorsalis pedis pulse typically located?

Posterior surface of the calf

Medial surface of the ankle

Superior surface of the foot between the bases of the 1st and 2nd metatarsals (correct)

Lateral surface of the ankle

What is the normal respiratory rate in an adult?

10-14 breaths per minute

18-22 breaths per minute

20-25 breaths per minute

14-18 breaths per minute (correct)

What is the term for a respiratory rate below 12 breaths per minute?

Bradypnea (correct)

Dyspnea

Hypoxia

Tachypnea

What is the unit of measurement for blood pressure?

mmHg Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the maximal pressure that occurs during ventricular contraction?

Systolic pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical format for recording blood pressure?

Systolic/diastolic mmHg Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of standing on the patient's right-hand side during an examination?

To give the patient a feeling of control over the situation Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the general examination framework?

Mentality Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'C' in ABCD stand for during a general examination?

Colors Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of assessing a patient's built during an examination?

To determine their body mass index Signup and view all the answers

What is the AVPU score used for?

To determine a patient's conscious level Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the vital data collection during a general examination?

Temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and blood sugar level Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of regional examination during a general examination?

To identify any abnormalities or signs of disease in specific regions of the body Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of inspecting a patient's facial features during a general examination?

To identify any characteristic facial features associated with certain medical conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal oral temperature in Celsius?

37 Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a pulse rate less than 60 beats per minute?

Bradycardia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a cause of hypothermia?

Shock Signup and view all the answers

What is the site of measurement for axillary temperature?

Armpit Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a pulse rate more than 100 beats per minute?

Tachycardia Signup and view all the answers

What is the best place to assess the pulse volume?

Carotid artery Signup and view all the answers

What is the position of the patient in lateral decubitus?

Lying on one side Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the ABCD (appearance-built-colors-decubitus) examination?

General appearance Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Patient Assessment

Lateral decubitus: patient lies on one side
Prayer position: leaning forward, commonly seen in pericardial effusion

General Examination

Mentality
- Mental status exam
  - Orientation: name, place, and date
  - Concentration
ABCD (Appearance-Built-Colors-Decubitus)
- Appearance
  - Physical appearance: body type, race, personal hygiene
  - Behavior: alert, lethargic, calm, agitated
  - Characteristic facial features
- Built: body type and weight
- Colors: skin color and features
- Decubitus: patient's position
Vital data
- Temperature (Temp)
- Heart Rate (H R)
- Blood Pressure (BP)
- Respiratory Rate (RR)
- Oxygen Saturation (O2sat)
- Random Blood Sugar (RBS)
Regional examination
- Head
- Neck
- Upper limb
- Lower limb
- Lymph nodes

Vital Signs

Temperature (Temp)
- Normal oral temperature: 37°C
- Rectal temperature: 0.5°C higher than oral
- Axillary temperature: 0.5°C lower than oral
- Fever: temperature > 37.2°C
- Hypothermia: temperature < 35°C
Pulse examination
- Pulse rate: expressed in beats per minute
- Pulse rate < 60 bpm: bradycardia
- Pulse rate > 100 bpm: tachycardia
- Pulse examination sites:
 - Radial artery
 - Brachial artery
 - Carotid artery
 - Femoral artery
 - Popliteal artery
 - Posterior tibial artery
 - Dorsalis pedis artery
Blood Pressure (BP)
- Measured in mmHg
- Recorded as systolic pressure/diastolic pressure
Respiratory Rate (RR)
- Normal RR in adults: 14-18 breaths per minute
- RR in children:
 - 0-6 months: 30-40 breaths per minute
 - 3 years: 20-30 breaths per minute
 - 6 years: 18-25 breaths per minute
 - 10 years: 17-23 breaths per minute
- RR < 12: bradypnea
- RR > 20: tachypnea

Examination Framework

Each system examination is divided into general and local examination
Local examination for each system:
- Inspection (looking)
- Palpation (feeling)
- Percussion (tapping)
- Auscultation (listening)