When you come into contact with a doctor, he will perform a physical examination after a short conversation. This article will provide more explanation and clarity about what exactly the physical examination is and what the doctor pays attention to.
Physical examination
Once the doctor has heard your story as a patient, the doctor will proceed to a physical examination. If your story shows that the complaints originate from the ankle, the doctor will be able to conduct a targeted physical examination of the lower extremities. However, there are also less simple complaints and a complete physical examination will be necessary.Physical examination: This examination is necessary to find indications of the existence of a disease. The doctor uses eyes, ears and tactile senses during the examination. The physical examination itself will consist of:
- inspection: looking for deviations
- percussion: tapping
- auscultation: listening
- palpation: touching
- examination: internal examination
Inspection
The doctor will look at the external symptoms of a disease. The inspection is very important and this is the part where the physical examination begins. The doctor observes the behavior, consciousness, posture, way of talking and moving, noticeable color changes and anatomical abnormalities.During the inspection, the doctor looks at the
- Skin and mucous membranes: discoloration, change in structure
- Head: attention to the eyes, ears, nose, mouth and throat
- Neck: shape, swelling, mobility during speaking and swallowing
- Chest: construction and breathing movements
- Belly: shape
- Back: shape and mobility
- Extremities (arms and legs): movement and state of rest
Percussion
The doctor taps the area he wants to examine and listens to the returning sound. For example, when tapping the lungs, a hollow sound will be heard.
Auscultation
The doctor uses a stethoscope to look for the functioning of organs. He does this by listening to sounds produced by the organs. This examination is especially suitable for detecting sounds from the heart, large blood vessels, lungs and intestines.
Palpation
The doctor examines the body by feeling it. Attention is paid to the size and shape of different parts of the body. You can look at:
- Head and neck: attention to the eyes, jaw muscles, salivary glands and lymph nodes
- Chest: scanning the space above the collarbone, ribs and sternum. For women, extra attention is paid to both breasts
- Abdominal cavity: research into the shape of organs
- Back: muscles, position of the vertebrae in relation to each other
- Extremities: note swelling, throbbing of arteries in the leg and temperature of joints
Internal examination
This examination is performed via the vagina and/or the rectum. The condition of the internal organs in the small pelvis is then felt.