Difference between revisions of "Physical examination"

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The '''physical examination''', in clinical medicine, is the art of acquiring a small amount of information while looking fancy.  It doesn't usually make the diagnosis... but can help you along that path.
The '''physical examination''', in clinical medicine, is the art of acquiring information while looking fancy.  The findings usually don't make the [[diagnosis]]. The history is far more important.


The history is far more important.  The radiology is more informative and the labs and pathology often more definitive.
The bit below is far from comprehensive and doesn't even think of pretending to be that.   
 
The bit below is far from comprehensive and doesn't even think of pretending to be that.  It was written from the perspective of someone that sorta knows the stuff.  It is useful perhaps only as a review.   


This was written to review the physical exam and serve as a template for the examination at [[autopsy]]... where one sees a lot more 'cause the subject doesn't have to be in one piece after one is done.
This was written to review the physical exam and serve as a template for the examination at [[autopsy]]... where one sees a lot more 'cause the subject doesn't have to be in one piece after one is done.
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===Extras===
===Extras===
*Calf tenderness - think about DVT/PE.
*Calf tenderness - think about [[DVT]]/PE.
*Homans' sign - calf pain on dorsiflexion (suggestive of DVT).
*Homans' sign - calf pain on dorsiflexion (suggestive of DVT).
*Vitals - may help figure-out tumour vs. infection.
*Vitals - may help figure-out tumour vs. infection.
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One should palpate the painful area last (for practical and psychological reasons).
One should palpate the painful area last (for practical and psychological reasons).
===Inspec.===
===Inspection===
*Masses, scars, lesions, signs of trauma & previous surgery.
*Masses, scars, lesions, signs of trauma & previous surgery.
*Distension.
*Distension.
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==Spleen==
==Spleen==
===Inspec.===
===Inspection===
*Masses etc.
*Masses etc.
*Stigmata of liver disease, lymphadenopathy.
*Stigmata of [[liver]] disease, [[lymphadenopathy]].
===Percussion===
===Percussion===
*Castell's sign - most sensitive.
*Castell's sign - most sensitive.
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*Adnexal masses.
*Adnexal masses.
*Tenderness - adnexal.
*Tenderness - adnexal.
*Cervical motion tenderness (think PID, [[appendicitis]]...).
*Cervical motion tenderness (think PID, [[appendicitis]]).


==Neurologic==
==Neurologic==
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