physical examination

A physical examination is a crucial part of the medical diagnostic process, used to assess an individual's bodily functions and overall condition. It involves several manual procedures, including inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.123

• Palpation is feeling the body's surface with the hands to assess underlying organs. It can detect tenderness, muscle spasms, or masses, and helps determine the size of organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys.2
• Percussion involves tapping the body's surface to evaluate the resulting sounds, which can indicate the density of underlying tissues. This method is used to detect fluid, gas, or organ enlargement, particularly in the abdomen and chest.3

These techniques, combined with the patient's history, help physicians establish a working diagnosis and select appropriate tests. Throughout the examination, maintaining patient dignity and allaying anxiety are paramount.23