Observing A Patient's Physical Signs

Physical examination is the second step in the four step process in diagnosis. Observing the patient’s physical signs, such as mobility and changes in skin color, is usually the first step when conducting a physical examination. A physical examination also includes: observing the patient’s vital signs, the auscultation procedure, percussion, and palpation. Observing a patient’s vital signs, include heart rate, blood pressure, and also taking the temperature. Auscultation procedure is the use of a stethoscope, which listens to the heart, lungs, and bowel movement. The percussion procedure is the tapping on the chest and abdomen. By disguising the specific sound that it creates, can help a physician determine the size of the lungs and the size
of the affected area. The palpation procedure is the use of fingers and applying pressure to feel the body regions and the organs within them. This procedure provides vital information, such as the size of an organ and changes in its consistency (Chabner, 2003).