What Is a Physical Exam
Physical examination or clinical examination is the process by which a health care provider investigates the body of a patient for signs of disease. It generally follows the taking of the medical history — an account of the symptoms as experienced by the patient. Together with the medical history, the physical examination aids in determining the correct diagnosis and devising the treatment plan. This data then becomes part of the medical record.
Collected Information Includes:
- - Vital signs
- - Temperature
- - Blood pressure
- - Pulse
- - Respiratory rate
- - Basic biometrics
- - Height
- - Weight
- - Pain