Clinical examination
Clinical examination
Clinical examination (pronunciation: /ˈklɪnɪkəl ɪgˈzæmɪˌneɪʃən/) is a fundamental part of the process of medical investigation. The term originates from the Greek words "klinikos" which means "bed" and "examination" which means "inspection".
In medicine, a clinical examination, also known as a physical examination or clinical assessment, is a process by which a healthcare professional investigates the body of a patient for signs of disease. It generally follows the taking of the medical history — an account of the symptoms as experienced by the patient.
Components of a Clinical Examination
A complete clinical examination usually starts with a medical history. This is followed by a physical examination, which includes inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.
- Inspection involves looking at the patient for any signs of disease. This could include changes in skin color or sweating.
- Palpation is the process of using one's hands to check the body, especially while perceiving/diagnosing a disease or illness.
- Percussion is a method of tapping body parts with fingers, hands, or small instruments as part of a physical examination.
- Auscultation is listening to the internal sounds of the body, usually using a stethoscope.
Related Terms
- Medical diagnosis is the process of determining which disease or condition explains a person's symptoms and signs.
- Medical history is information gained by a physician by asking specific questions, either of the patient or of other people who know the person and can give suitable information.
- Symptom is a departure from normal function or feeling which is noticed by a patient, indicating the presence of disease or abnormality.
- Sign is an objective evidence of disease especially as observed and interpreted by the physician rather than by the patient or lay observer.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Clinical examination
- Wikipedia's article - Clinical examination
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