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Physical Examination / What is a Physical Examination?
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Physical examination is the process of examining the patient's body to determine the presence or absence of physical problems. It includes inspection (looking), palpation (feeling), auscultation (listening), and percussion (producing sounds).
Inspection is a method of observation used during physical examinations. Inspection, or "looking at the patient," is the first step in examining a patient or body part. If inspection is not performed, a major health problem can be missed.
Palpation is a method of "feeling" with the hands used during physical examinations. The examiner touches and feels the patient's body part with his hands to examine the size, consistency, texture, location, and tenderness of an organ or body part.
Auscultation is a a method used to "listen" to the sounds of the body during a physical examination. Auscultation can be performed by listening with the ear but is usually done by listening through a stethoscope. Health care providers routinely auscultate a patient's lungs, heart, and intestines to evaluate the frequency, intensity, duration, number, and quality of sounds. Health care providers also use auscultation to listen to the heart sounds of unborn infants.
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Percussion is a method of "tapping" of body parts during physical examination with fingers, hands, or small instruments to evaluate the size, consistency, borders and presence or absence of fluid in body organs. Percussion of a body part produces a sound (like playing a drum) that indicates the type of tissue within the organ. Lungs "sound" hollow on percussion because they are filled with air. Bones and joints "sound" solid. The abdomen "sounds" like a hollow organ filled with air, fluid, or solids.
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