Key Components of a Physical Exam and Why They Are Important

No matter your age or stage in life, getting an annual physical exam is an essential part of preventive healthcare. This quick exam checks your overall health and can identify and treat health issues before they worsen. Physical exams also help track the progress you have toward your health goals.

The basics of the physical exam

The physical exam is an important part of any doctor's visit. While they vary from visit to visit, a medical provider will spend this time listening to a patient's concerns and providing counseling for their particular complaints and risk factors.

A thorough physical exam covers the patient's health from head to toe and takes about 30 minutes. The healthcare provider measures the patient's vital signs, such as body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rate.

• Body temperature. 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit is average, but healthy people can have slightly higher or lower resting temperatures.
• Blood pressure. Less than 120 over less than 80 is considered normal blood pressure. Generally, high blood pressure (hypertension) is defined as 130 over 80 or higher.
• Heart rate. A normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100. However, many healthy people have heart rates slower than 60.
• Respiration rate. Breathing between 12 to 16 breaths per minute is normal for a healthy adult. Breathing more than 20 breaths per minute may indicate heart or lung problems.

The key components of a physical exam

During the evaluation, the provider uses the following components: observation, palpitation, percussion, and auscultation.

Observation

This part of the exam uses instruments to look into the patient's eyes, ears, nose, and throat. The medical provider will also review the color of their skin for any lesions or rashes while taking note of any hygienic issues. They may examine other areas of the body if the patient has specific symptoms or if medical history indicates the need. Observation allows practitioners to review how the patient moves, sits, and behaves, giving insight into any visible abnormalities or potential health issues.

Palpitation

Palpation involves the healthcare provider using their hands to feel various parts of the body. This technique allows the provider to palpitate (touch) and assess the texture, size, consistency, and tenderness of the patient's organs and tissues. By palpating different areas of the patient's body, practitioners can detect abnormalities such as lumps, swelling, or tenderness, providing critical information for early diagnosis and treatment.

Percussion

This part of the exam involves the healthcare provider tapping — typically with a small rubber hammer — on the patient's abdomen to produce percussion (sound). Percussion can help the provider assess the underlying structures. It is commonly used to evaluate the density of organs, detect the presence of blockages, fluid, or air, and assess the size and borders of organs. This is also a useful tool to test the patient's reflexes.

Auscultation

Auscultation involves listening to sounds produced by the body, typically using a stethoscope. This part of the physical exam allows the medical provider to listen to the heart, lungs, and bowels. Abnormalities in these sounds can indicate underlying health issues such as heart murmurs, lung congestion, or gastrointestinal problems.

Additional assessments

The provider may perform additional tests or assessments if something is revealed from the patient's medical history, symptoms, or physical exam. Common assessments may include:

• Cancer screenings
• Blood screenings (e.g., blood glucose or cholesterol)
• Urine test
• Blood test
• Stool sample
• Imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans)
• Sleep studies
• Home monitoring devices

The importance of physical exams

While medical providers have access to a variety of diagnostic and treatment tools, the physical examination remains vital to preventive healthcare and overall patient care. A comprehensive physical exam can provide valuable information that may not be captured by diagnostic tests such as X-rays and blood screenings alone.

Beyond the exam's diagnostic value, these appointments also help the patient build trust and rapport with their provider. A thorough physical exam demonstrates the provider's attentiveness and commitment to understanding their patient's health concerns. Going to an annual physical exam can help strengthen the patient-provider relationship and make future appointments easier and more comfortable.

Vaccinations

Vaccines are not only for kids. Adults also need to keep up with a vaccination schedule to prevent dangerous diseases. The provider will review the patient's vaccination history during the physical exam and may recommend immunizations, such as the flu shot, Tdap vaccine, shingles vaccine, and HPV vaccine. 

Schedule an appointment today

A physical exam is an essential part of helping you stay as healthy as possible. It is tailored to your specific needs and health goals. Has it been a while since you had a physical exam? Call our office to schedule an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://tx-urgentcare.com or call Texas Urgent Care & Imaging Center at (832) 941-1894 for an appointment in our New Caney office.

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