The abdominal examination is performed as part of the comprehensive physical examination or when a patient presents with signs or symptoms suggestive of an abdominal disease process. It involves the core examination skills in a particular sequence: inspection, auscultation, percussion,…
The breast examination is typically performed when a patient presents with a specific breast concern, as a follow-up to an abnormal examination or increased risk for breast cancer, or as part of a routine health visit. Examination of the breasts…
The physical examination of the venous and arterial structures of the vascular system is a critical component of patients’ evaluation. You can gain great insight into their overall cardiovascular status, specifically the detection of peripheral artery disease (PAD) of the…
The main heart function is to circulate blood through the body and lungs in two separate circulations (one circuit being the body, the second being the lungs). The heart lies in the mediastinum, to the left of the midline, just…
The chest and lungs allow for respiration. The purpose of respiration is to keep the body adequately supplied with oxygen and protected from excess accumulation of carbon dioxide. Respiration involves the movement of air back and forth from the alveoli…
Examination of the ears, nose, and throat provides information about their integrity and function, as well as the associated respiratory and digestive tracts. The special senses of smell, hearing, equilibrium, and taste are also associated with the ears, nose, and…
The comprehensive eye examination involves a series of tests evaluating vision, as well as the general health of the eyes, and includes screening for ophthalmologic diseases or ocular manifestation of systemic diseases. Anatomy and Physiology The eye is the sensory…
The head provides the bony housing and protective cover for the brain, including the organs that provide senses of vision, hearing, smell, and taste. The neck provides stability and support for the head and holds vital vessels, the trachea, esophagus,…
The lymphatic system is examined region by region during the examination of other body systems (i.e., head and neck, breast and axillary, genitalia, and extremities) and by palpating the spleen. Sometimes you may perform a comprehensive lymphatic examination, exploring all…
Skin provides an elastic, self-regenerating, protective covering for the body. The skin and its appendages are an important means by which we are viewed in the world and physical appearances are often critical to the well-being of patients. Examination of…