Physical examination template

{{}} Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Disease is associated with the presence of on physical examination.

Appearance of the Patient

The patient may appear anxious. The patient is often sitting upright and has difficulty breathing. The patient is often confused. Obesity may be present. The patient may complain of pain and may be in ditress.

Vitals

Temperature

• A fever is often present
• Hypothermia may be present

Pulse

Rate

• Tachycardia may be present
• Bradycardia may be present

Rhythm

• The pulse is regular
• The pules is irregularly irregular

Strength

• The pulse may be weak
• The pulse may be bounding
• The pulse may be alternating in strenght (pulsus alternans)
• A paradoxical pulse may be present

Symmetry

• The pulses may be asymmetric

Blood Pressure

• Hypotension may be present
• Hypertension may be present
• A wide pulse pressure may be present
• A narrow pulse pressure may be present

Respiratory Rate

Tachypnea may be present.

Skin

• Cyanosis may be present
• Jaundice may be present
• A rash may be present

Eyes

Scleral icterus may be present

Neck

• Jugular venous pressure may be elevated
• Carotid bruits may be present
• Lymph nodes may be present
• Thyromegaly may be present
• Hepatojugular reflux may be present

Lungs

• Pulmonary edema and rales may be present
• Wheezing may be present
• Consolidation may be present
• Egophony may be present

Heart

• A heave may be present
• A thrill may be present

Auscultation

• S1
• S2
• S3
• S4
• Gallops
• A systolic murmur best heard at the base may be present
• A systolic murmur best heard at the apex may be present
• A diastolic murmur may be present

Abdomen

• Abdominal distention may be present
• Abdominal tenderenss may be present
• Rebound may be present
• An acute abdomen may be present
• An abdominal mass may be present
• Hepatomegaly may be present
• Splenomegaly may be present

Extremities

• Clubbing may be present
• Cyanosis may be present
• Edema may be present