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…

Examination of the anus and rectum may be performed as part of a routine health visit. In patients with a prostate, examination may include the prostate. Examination of these structures…

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…

An emergency situation, whether it is unresponsiveness, an acute medical condition, drug intoxication, or trauma, requires a change in the usual sequence of history taking and examination. Life-threatening conditions, such…

FIG. A.1 Physical growth curves for children ages birth to 24 months: Boys. (From http://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/who_charts.htm .) FIG. A.2 Physical growth curves for children ages birth to 24 months: Girls.

Each year millions of children, youth, and young adults participate in organized sports and are required by state and local school districts to have a preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE). Rare…

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,…

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. It involves…

The lymphatic system is examined region by region during the examination of the other body systems (i.e., head and neck, breast and axillary, genitalia, and extremities) and by palpating the…