Confusion physical examination: Difference between revisions
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** Respiratory rate : there may be hyperventilation in few conditions due to anxiety, but in severe cases leading to coma respiratory rate may be compromised. | ** Respiratory rate : there may be hyperventilation in few conditions due to anxiety, but in severe cases leading to coma respiratory rate may be compromised. | ||
* General examination : A comprehensive examination may be | * General examination : A comprehensive examination may be tough due to altered mental status of the patient. | ||
** General behavior | ** General behavior | ||
** Level of arousal | ** Level of arousal | ||
** Alertness | ** Alertness | ||
** Language or speech defects | |||
** Presence of agitation, restlessness, hyperactivity, anxiety | ** Presence of agitation, restlessness, hyperactivity, anxiety | ||
* Focused examination of Nervous system | |||
** Cranial nerve examination : this is limited by uncooperative patients. Funduscopic examination helps in checking for papilledema or hemorrhages. Checking for gag reflex to ensure safe oral feeds and medications. | |||
** Motor examination : underlying brain disease | |||
** Gait evaluation : check for cerebellar lesion | |||
All the above tests helps us in localizing the lesion. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 19:57, 17 July 2012
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Confusion Microchapters |
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Confusion physical examination On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Confusion physical examination |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Confusion physical examination |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Physical examination
- Vital signs
- Temperature : increase in temperature is significant for some infective foci.
- Blood pressure : if decreased indicative of shock and hypoperfusion.
- Pulse : if its increase it has to be correlated to raise in temperature.
- Respiratory rate : there may be hyperventilation in few conditions due to anxiety, but in severe cases leading to coma respiratory rate may be compromised.
- General examination : A comprehensive examination may be tough due to altered mental status of the patient.
- General behavior
- Level of arousal
- Alertness
- Language or speech defects
- Presence of agitation, restlessness, hyperactivity, anxiety
- Focused examination of Nervous system
- Cranial nerve examination : this is limited by uncooperative patients. Funduscopic examination helps in checking for papilledema or hemorrhages. Checking for gag reflex to ensure safe oral feeds and medications.
- Motor examination : underlying brain disease
- Gait evaluation : check for cerebellar lesion
All the above tests helps us in localizing the lesion.