Discover what happens during a physical examination: from measurements to medical history, this article explores everything.

When you undergo a physical exam with your doctor, you can expect a complete evaluation of your health and general welfare. A medical examination, also known as preventive check or wel l-being exam, is a routine medical appointment that focuses on evaluating its current health and identifying possible health or problems of health. During a medical examination, your doctor will perform a series of tests, explorations and evaluations to ensure that you enjoy good health and detect any early sign of illness or condition.

One of the key components of physical examination is the detailed review of medical history. Your doctor will begin by asking questions about your personal and family medical history, including diseases, surgical interventions or previous chronic conditions. This information helps your doctor to evaluate their risk factors and adapt the exam to their specific needs. In addition, it is possible that the doctor asked him about his life habits, such as diet, exercise routine and sleep guidelines, since they can greatly influence their general health.

During a physical exam, you can expect a complete evaluation of your general health and wel l-being. The exam usually includes a review of medical history, physical measurements, laboratory tests and conversations on preventive care and vaccines. It is also an opportunity to comment with your doctor any questions or question about your health.

Preparing for a Physical Examination

Gather necessary documents and medical history information

Before going to a physical exam, it is essential to gather all the necessary documents and the information of the medical history. This includes the results of previous tests, radiographs or medical records that may be relevant to the appointment. These documents will provide the health professional valuable information on previous diseases, treatments and operations. In addition, the elaboration of an exhaustive list of medicines, allergies and current chronic diseases will help the healthcare professional understand the patient’s general state of health.

Tips:

• It meets the relevant medical documents, as results of previous medical tests and records.
• Prepare a list of current medications, allergies and chronic diseases.

Consider personal health concerns or questions

Preparing for a physical exam also implies taking into account any concern or personal question about health that the patient may have. This is an opportunity to address specific issues or seek guidance on preventive measures. Taking note of the symptoms, changes in bodily functions or any experienced discomfort can help ensure that these concerns are properly addressed during the appointment.

Tips:

• Make a list of your concerns or personal questions about health to comment during the exam.
• Take note of any symptom, change in body functions or experienced discomfort.

The Importance of Medical History

An accurate medical history helps health professionals:

1. Evaluate your risk factors: by documenting your medical background, surgical interventions, allergies and medication, the health professional can identify any risk factor that may affect your current state of health or your treatment plan.
2. Disease diagnosis: Your medical history provides important clues and guidelines that help diagnose certain diseases. For example, the family history of heart disease can motivate additional tests or the adoption of preventive measures to guarantee the health of your heart.

A complete medical history allows:

• Individualized care: Your medical history provides health professionals with information about your specific health needs and helps them design the most appropriate treatment plan for you. This guarantees that your attention is personalized and optimized for your specific circumstances.
• Continuity of assistance: Maintaining a detailed medical history allows fluid communication and coordination between health professionals. It guarantees that the relevant information is shared and avoid possible gaps in your attention.

“Providing a precise and detailed medical history is essential for health professionals to offer high quality care and guarantee patient safety.”- Dr. Emily Johnson

By actively providing your health professional with a detailed medical history, it provides you with the information necessary to make informed decisions about your attention. This collaborative approach guarantees that you receive health care of the highest quality adapted to your specific needs.

Vital Signs and Basic Measurements

Vital constants refer to the essential physiological functions that are routinely measured to evaluate a person’s general health and control any change in their state. The four main vital signs are

1. Body temperature: Measurement of the internal heat of the body. Normal body temperature ranges between 36. 5 ° C and 37. 2 ° C (97. 8 ° F and 99 ° F).
2. Pulse frequency: the number of times that beats your heart per minute. The normal pulse of an adult usually ranges between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
3. Respiratory rate: The number of breaths per minute. Normally, adults have a respiratory rate of 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
4. Blood tension: Force that exerts blood against the walls of the arteries. Blood voltage is measured by two figures: systolic (upper figure) and diastolic (lower figure), with a normal reading around 120/80 mmHg.

Without an adequate measurement of vital constants, health professionals could not accurately evaluate the general state of a person or identify possible underlying conditions.

In addition to vital constants, health professionals also make various basic measurements to collect quantitative data on the patient’s body. These measurements help establish a comparison base and control changes over time. Basic measurements usually include

• Height: Measure in feet or centimeters, height provides information on the growth, development and nutritional status of a person.
• The weight: measured in pounds or kilograms, the weight is a crucial factor to determine the general health of an individual, especially in relation to possible conditions related to weight.
• Waist perimeter: measured in inches or centimeters, the perimeter of the waist helps evaluate abdominal obesity, which is associated with a greater risk of various health problems.
• Body mass index (BMI): calculated from the weight and height of an individual, the BMI provides an estimate of body fat and helps determine if a person is within a healthy weight range.

By thorough measurement of vital constants and basic body measures, health professionals can evaluate a patient’s health, detect anomalies and perform the appropriate medical interventions that are necessary.

Assessing organ function with laboratory tests

When it comes to evaluating the functioning of an organ, laboratory tests play a crucial role when providing valuable information about the patient’s health. These tests help health professionals to diagnose and control various medical conditions by evaluating specific substances or markers in the body. Blood, urine and other bodily fluids allows us to better understand the operation of the organs and develop adequate treatment plans.

Laboratory tests are usually used to evaluate a series of organic functions, including:

1. Hepatic function tests: These tests measure the levels of enzymes, proteins and other substances that indicate the health and functioning of the liver. Abnormal results can suggest liver diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
2. Renal function tests: These tests evaluate renal function by measuring the levels of waste products, electrolytes and liquid balance in the body. Abnormal results may indicate renal damage or deterioration of renal function.
3. Cardiac enzymes: These tests help evaluate the functioning of the heart by measuring the levels of enzymes released during a myocardial infarction or other heart conditions. High levels may indicate damage to the heart muscle.

It is important to note that laboratory tests should always be interpreted in conjunction with the medical history and the results of the patient’s physical examination to obtain a precise diagnosis and treatment. Any abnormal result must be evaluated and discussed with a healthcare professional.

Evaluating the musculoskeletal system

One of the key elements in the evaluation of the musculoskeletal system is the assessment of the range of motion (ROM) of the joints. This exam involves looking at the patient’s ability to move the joints through their full range of motion, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. Healthcare professionals can use a combination of visual observation, palpation, and specific joint tests to evaluate ROM. For example, when evaluating the shoulder joint, the healthcare professional may ask the patient to raise his or her arms above the head, to the sides, and behind the back to assess the mobility of the joint.

Observing the patient’s gait is also an important aspect of musculoskeletal evaluation.

In addition to evaluating ROM, healthcare professionals can also perform specific tests to evaluate muscle strength and function. These tests consist of evaluating the strength and integrity of individual muscles or muscle groups through resistance exercises. For example, healthcare professionals can use manual muscle testing to assess a patient’s hand grip strength, leg strength, or shoulder abduction. They may also use specialized equipment, such as dynamometers, to objectively quantify muscle strength.

• Range of Motion (ROM) Assessment
• Gait observation
• Assessment of muscle strength and function

1. Shoulder joint mobility
2. Manual muscle testing
3. Use of specialized equipment, such as dynamometers

Assessing the cardiovascular system

During a medical examination, various diagnostic techniques and tests are used to evaluate the cardiovascular system. One of the main methods is to prepare the patient’s medical history, which provides important information about the patient’s general health, family history of heart disease, lifestyle habits, and previous illnesses. In this way, healthcare professionals can learn about possible risk factors and determine appropriate measures.

Important Assessment Methods for the Cardiovascular System

1. Auscultation: It consists of using a stethoscope to listen to cardiac noises, which can provide crucial information about the functioning of the heart. The two main cardiac noises, often called “lub” and “Dub”, are produced by the closure of the heart valves. Any abnormal sound, such as breath or irregular rhythms, can indicate underlying cardiovascular problems.
2. Blood voltage measurement: the verification of blood pressure is a routine part of the evaluation of the cardiovascular system. Provides information about the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries. High blood pressure (hypertension) can be a risk factor of heart disease and other complications.

Note: blood pressure is measured with two figures: systolic tension (the upper figure) and diastolic tension (the lower figure). A normal reading of blood pressure is usually around 120/80 mmHg.

Other evaluation methods may include pulse palpation, such as radial pulse, to assess the rhythm and strength of arterial pulsations, as well as the evaluation of the general physical appearance of the patient and the signs of fluid retention. In addition, diagnostic tests such as electrocardiography (ECG) and effort tests to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart and their response to physical effort may be recommended.

Table: Key Assessment Methods for the Cardiovascular System

Screening for Potential Health Issues

During a physical exam, the doctor usually performs various tests to evaluate the general health status of the person and identify possible risk factors. It may include the measurement of vital constants such as blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature. In addition, the doctor may ask about the medical history, the family’s family history and the life habits to evaluate their risk of suffering certain diseases or conditions.

1. Blood test:

Blood analysis plays a crucial role in the detection of possible health problems. These analyzes can provide valuable information about a person’s cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, liver function, renal function and blood cell counting. Through the analysis of the results, health professionals can identify anomalies that may indicate the presence of diseases or conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, liver diseases or anemia.

2. Image tests:

Image tests, such as radiographs, ultrasound and magnetic resonances, can help detect anomalies in the organism structure, such as tumors, cysts or bone fractures. These tests provide detailed images that allow health professionals to diagnose and accurately control various conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and musculoskeletal disorders.

3. Screening procedures:

Certain screening procedures, such as mammograms for breast cancer or colonoscopies for colorectal cancer, are performed to detect early signs of specific diseases. These exams can help identify possible problems in their early stages, when treatment options are usually more effective. Periodic reviews are usually recommended based on age, sex and personal or family medical history.

“Periodic medical recognitions are essential to detect possible health problems. Through blood analysis, image tests and specific screening procedures, health professionals can identify anomalies and risk factors that may require additional evaluation and treatment.”

It is important to note that the specific screening tests that are performed during a physical exam may vary depending on the age, sex and medical history of each person. Recommendations for routine reviews are usually provided by health organizations and can be customized based on the particular circumstances of each person. Periodic reviews not only help identify possible health problems, but also promote proactive health care by allowing people to make the necessary changes in their lifestyle or seek an early intervention when necessary.

Discussion on preventive measures and lifestyle changes

Precautionary measures:

1. Vaccines: A crucial preventive measure that is analyzed during a medical examination is the fulfillment of the recommended vaccination calendar. Vaccines protect against various diseases and can significantly reduce the risk of severe infection or illness.
2. Screening tests: Another aspect of preventive care is periodic common disease detection tests. These tests, such as mammograms for breast cancer or colonoscopies for colorectal cancer, can detect diseases in early phases, when they are usually more treatable.
3. Healthy diet: A balanced and nutritious diet plays a vital role in maintaining good health. Health professionals can provide dietary guidance, emphasizing the importance of consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, at the same time limiting the intake of processed foods, saturated fats and sugary drinks.

Exercising regularly, following a healthy diet and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption are crucial changes in lifestyle to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Changes in lifestyle:

• Physical activity: Regular exercise has numerous health benefits in general. It helps maintain a healthy weight, strengthens the cardiovascular system, improves mood and reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer.
• Stop smoking: quitting smoking is one of the most important changes in lifestyle that can significantly improve health results. Health professionals can offer resources and strategies to help people quit and lead a lifeless life.
• Moderate alcohol consumption: it is advisable to limit alcohol consumption to moderate levels to reduce the risk of liver diseases, certain types of cancer and other health problems. Women should not drink more than one drink a day, while men should be limited to a maximum of two glasses a day.

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Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont