Physical-Examination

The physician uses a variety of methods during a physical examination to ascertain the health of the patient. In most cases, the physician will have asked the patient to complete a health questionnaire prior to the physical examination. This questionnaire will generally include questions regarding the patient's medical history.

The physical examination will begin with a study of the patient's body by the physician. The physician will also examine the patient's body, using a method called palpitation, during the physical examination. The purpose of palpitation during a physical examination is to determine the texture, size, consistency, tenderness and location of specific body parts or organs.

The physician will also listen to the sounds of the body during the physical examination. Generally, a stethoscope is used during a physical examination for the purpose of listening to the body's sounds. The type and nature of the physical examination will determine which specific body sound the doctor will listen to. The most common body sounds listened to during a physical examination include the heart, lungs and intestines. If the doctor is examining a woman who is pregnant then he or she will also listen to the heart sounds of the baby. A Doppler ultrasound is used in this instance rather than a stethoscope.

Finally, the physician may use a method known as percussion during a physical examination. In this method, the doctor will tap certain parts of the body to determine the presence or absence of fluid in bodily organs as well as to evaluate size and consistence of organs. Bones, joints and the abdomen are commonly checked using this method.

A neurologic examination and physical therapist consult can help to determine the nature of a number of serious problems. The nervous system is analyzed through a neurologic examination and physical therapist consult. The purpose of this is to determine whether there are any signs present which could explain motor system or cognitive problems. Read more about Neurologic Examination and Physical Therapist at the Neurologic Examination and Physical Therapist page.