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The physical examination is only part of the examination. They are performed by a doctor or a nurse. It has four elements: palpation, tapping, tapping and auscultation. Most often it concerns the functions of anatomical structures. The result of this test is most often expressed in words. Thanks to this method, it is possible, for example, to determine the size and location of certain organs in a very simple way.
Physical examination – abdominal cavity
Each physical examination must be performed in a well-lit room. The patient should lie on his back. The abdominal shells must be clearly visible. Muscles should be loose. It should be remembered that the examiner should have access to the groin. Before the examination, the patient should urinate. When starting the physical examination, the examiner places a pillow under the patient’s head. The test person’s hands should be placed along the body. The examiner should always be on the right side of the patient.
The next step is to go through all the stages of the examination – palpation, tapping, tapping and auscultation. Always remember to follow this order. During the examination, it is necessary to observe the facial expressions and the patient’s reflexes. They can provide a lot of valuable information. The abdomen is divided into several areas. It is according to them that the research should be carried out.
Physical examination – chest
Another type is the physical examination of the chest. Palpation is very important for a physical examination of the chest. By examining chest movements from the back, we can assess the expansion of the lower lobes. Place your hands on your chest so that your thumbs touch the bottom of the shoulder blades. The subject breathes and the examiner observes the way the thumbs move.
The technique of the physical examination of the chest also includes the examination of vocal tremor. The respondent is to repeat “44” or “yyyyy”. At this point, the examiner palms the next places. The increase in vocal tremor occurs with pneumonia or their fibrosis. Topographic lines play an important role in the physical examination of the chest. Another important element is lung percussion. It allows you to determine whether their tissues are cohesive, or whether they are filled with air or fluid.
There are two types of tapping – indicative and detailed. The last element is auscultation of the lungs.
Physical examination – cardiovascular system
In the physical examination of the circulatory system, the area around the fovea is important. This examination is performed by placing your hand in the middle epigastric region. Excessive pulsation may indicate an aortic aneurysm, right ventricular enlargement or aortic regurgitation. During a physical cardiovascular examination, the examiner must count the number of heart contractions per minute. It does this by performing auscultation. Then it determines heart tones and detects pathological ones. Additionally, it is possible to detect murmurs. Sometimes it also detects pericardial friction. It may be the result of pericarditis. This condition usually results in lamina friction. This friction is most often heard around the left side of the sternum.
As you can see – simple physical examinations can provide a lot of valuable information. Very often they provide a basis for deeper diagnostics.
| Name of the study | Physical examination |
| Introduction – what is this research / what the research is for | The test is used to check the basic parameters. They can be done by a doctor or nurse. |
| Indications for the examination | The test is performed, for example, in a hospital on each patient. |
| Standards | Individual standards |
| Interpreting the results (at least basic) | The result interpreted individually, already during the test. |
| How is the test going | Various methods are performed: palpation, tapping, tapping and auscultation |
| How to prepare for the test | There is no preparation for testing. |
| Information to be reported prior to testing | None |
| How to behave after the examination | There are no special rules for post-test behavior. |
| Possible complications after the examination | Lack |
| Other important (if any) | x |