Quick Guide in History Taking and Physical Examination

The present chapter is mainly focused on teaching medical students and junior doctors how to take a history of patients. After taking the history, it's useful to give the patient a run-down of what they've told you as you understand it. For example: 'Mohammed, from what I understand you've been losing weight, feeling sick, had trouble swallowing - particularly meat - and the whole thing's been getting you down. Is that right?' If there is a nod of approval or expressed agreement with the story then it's fairly certain you're getting what the patient wanted to tell you. If not, then you may need to try another approach. This technique can avoid incorrect assumptions by the doctor.

Physical examination is a fundamental aspect of medical practice that involves a systematic evaluation of a patient's body to assess their overall health status and identify any signs of illness or abnormalities. It is typically performed by healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurses, or other trained medical personnel. The physical examination can provide valuable information that aids in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of various medical conditions. The physical examination, thoughtfully performed, should yield 20% of the data necessary for patient diagnosis and management. The present chapter is mainly focused on how to apply physical general examination

The Cardiovascular examination is typically focused in cardiac and blood vessels. Cardiovascular disease may present with a number of diverse symptoms; non-cardiac causes must also be considered. It allows for an initial assessment of symptoms and is crucial for determining the differential diagnoses and further steps in cardiac diseases. The present chapter gives students details in manual cardiac examination and makes it easy for medical students and junior doctors.

The respiratory examination is normally performed according to Osler's classic sequence of inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. All lobes of the lung should be systematically examined. The examiner should be aware of the surface projections of each of the five lobes. The present chapter is mainly focused on how to apply physical examination of the respiratory system

The abdominal examination consists of four basic components: inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. It is important to begin with the general examination of the abdomen with the patient in a completely supine position. The present chapter is mainly focused on how to examine abdominal systematic. 

A neurological exam, also called a neuro exam, is an evaluation of a person's nervous system that can be done in the physcians. It may be done with instruments, such as lights and reflex hammers. It usually does not cause any pain to the patient. The nervous system consists of the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves from these areas. There are many aspects of this exam, including an assessment of motor and sensory skills, balance and coordination, mental status (the patient's level of awareness and interaction with the environment), reflexes, and functioning of the nerves. The extent of the exam depends on many factors, including the initial problem that the patient is experiencing, the age of the patient, and the condition of the patient. 

The musculoskeletal system constitutes a demanding part of the physical examination in terms of both knowledge and time. The skillful examiner focuses this critical task through information obtained in a careful history. The examiner should take the opportunity to observe the patient’s posture and mobility when he or she first enters the examination room. Musculoskeletal exam nearly exclusively relies on inspection and palpation of the joints and some specialized tests involving those techniques. Rarely do percussion and auscultation play a role in the musculoskeletal exam. The key features to note and record on the examination of the joints are swelling, tenderness, and loss of motion.