3 Focused Physical Examination Free Online FlashCards

What guides a focused physical examination?

A targeted assessment guided by the patient’s history, symptoms, vital signs, and immediate clinical concern.

How should you prepare a patient for an examination?

Introduce yourself, confirm identity, explain the examination and its relevance, and obtain permission. Provide privacy and expose only the area being examined, using draping.

What should you observe throughout the encounter?

Observe general appearance, alertness, posture, movement, work of breathing, and apparent discomfort from the start and throughout the encounter.

How should vital signs be interpreted?

Record values and units, consider measurement conditions and relevant baseline, and interpret results alongside age, symptoms, medications, activity, and trends.

What does inspection assess?

Systematically look for asymmetry, color or skin changes, swelling, wounds, deformity, movement, and effort. Describe what is visible without inferring a diagnosis.

What is a suitable examination sequence for abdominal pain?

Inspect first, then auscultate before percussion and palpation. Begin gently away from the most painful area and note findings such as tenderness, guarding, or distention.

Which findings during shortness of breath warrant prompt attention?

Observe speech, respiratory rate and effort, posture, and skin or lip color; examine the chest as indicated. Increased work of breathing or changed mental status warrants prompt clinical attention.

What should be assessed for limb injury or weakness?

Compare the affected and unaffected sides when possible. Assess appearance, tenderness, movement, strength, sensation, and distal circulation as appropriate; avoid maneuvers that could worsen a suspected injury.

What should reassessment include?

Repeat relevant examination elements and vital signs, then compare them with earlier findings and reported symptoms. Document the time, reassessment, response, and actions; escalate worsening findings or a poor response.

How should examination findings be communicated?

Use specific, objective language that includes location, side, quality, and relevant measurements. Separate observed findings from interpretation and explain the next step plainly.

What is the purpose and scope of a focused examination?

Gather objective findings that refine clinical judgment. Expand or redirect the examination when findings, risk factors, or changes in condition call for it.

What does palpation assess, and how should it begin?

Use the hands to assess tenderness, temperature, texture, pulses, movement, or swelling. Start gently and stop or modify the maneuver if pain or distress increases.