Physical Examination Techniques

22 Questions

Where is the dorsalis pedis pulse typically located?

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

What is the normal respiratory rate in an adult?

14-18 breaths per minute

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

Bradypnea

What is the unit of measurement for blood pressure?

mmHg

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

Systolic pressure

What is the typical format for recording blood pressure?

Systolic/diastolic mmHg

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

What is the first step in the general examination framework?

Mentality

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

Colors

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

To determine their body mass index

What is the AVPU score used for?

To determine a patient's conscious level

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

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

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

What is the normal oral temperature in Celsius?

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

Bradycardia

Which of the following is a cause of hypothermia?

Shock

What is the site of measurement for axillary temperature?

Armpit

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

Tachycardia

What is the best place to assess the pulse volume?

Carotid artery

What is the position of the patient in lateral decubitus?

Lying on one side

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

General appearance

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)

This quiz covers various physical examination techniques, including patient positions, general examination, and vital signs assessment.

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