Physical Examination Techniques

Where is the dorsalis pedis pulse typically located?

What is the normal respiratory rate in an adult?

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

What is the unit of measurement for blood pressure?

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

What is the typical format for recording blood pressure?

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

What is the first step in the general examination framework?

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

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

What is the AVPU score used for?

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

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

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

What is the normal oral temperature in Celsius?

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

Which of the following is a cause of hypothermia?

What is the site of measurement for axillary temperature?

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

What is the best place to assess the pulse volume?

What is the position of the patient in lateral decubitus?

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

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

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