University of Baghdad Al Kindy College of Medicine ECE Module: Preparing for Physical Examination

Introduction to Patient Consultation

• Introduce yourself to the patient and seek permission to conduct the consultation to establish trust and respect
• Always obtain consent from the patient before proceeding with the examination

Physical Examination Environment

• The room should be warm and well-lit during a physical examination to create a comfortable environment for the patient

Necessary Precautions During Physical Examination

• Avoid unnecessary exposure and embarrassment during a physical examination to maintain patient dignity
• Use chaperones during physical examinations when necessary, particularly for sensitive or intimate examinations

Physical Examination Sequence

• The correct sequence for performing a physical examination is: Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, and Auscultation

General Examination Components

• The three parts of a General Examination are: Inspection, Measurement, and Auscultation

Conscious Level Measurement

• The AVPU scale measures a patient's conscious level, ranging from Alert to Unresponsive (A, V, P, U)

Pathognomonic Signs

• Hoffman's sign is a pathognomonic sign of neurological or musculoskeletal disease

Patient Positioning

• A patient with heart failure and congestion of the lungs is likely to position themselves in an upright position in bed to relieve breathing difficulties

Prioritizing Patient Comfort

• If the patient is distressed or in pain during initial observations, prioritize their comfort and address their concerns

Observations and Inferences

• A patient with recent weight loss may be wearing loose or baggy clothing
• Tattoos or piercings on a patient can provide non-verbal cues about their personality or lifestyle
• Sparse, coarse hair and eyebrows are indicative of hypothyroidism
• The "Tripod Position" is commonly observed in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• "Perior" refers to inflammation around the eye (periorbital) or around the mouth (perioral)
• The Glasgow Coma Scale measures eye-opening, verbal, and motor responses