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Physical examination
During a physical examination, a health care provider studies your body to determine if you do or do not have a physical problem.
A physical examination usually includes:
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Inspection
(looking at the body)
Inspection
In medical terms, "inspection" means to look at the person or body part. It is the first step in a physical exam.
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Palpation
(feeling the body with fingers or hands)
Palpation
Palpation is a method of feeling with the fingers or hands during a physical examination. The health care provider touches and feels your body to ex...
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Auscultation
(listening to sounds)
Auscultation
Auscultation is listening to the sounds of the body during a physical examination.
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Percussion
(producing sounds, usually by tapping on specific areas of the body)
Percussion
Percussion is a method of tapping body parts with fingers, hands, or small instruments as part of a physical examination. It is done to determine:Th...
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References
Simel DL. Approach to the patient: history and physical examination. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 6.
Review Date: 1/31/2015
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
