Head
- Inspection: Observe general appearance, size, shape, and symmetry of the head. Check for masses, deformities, or swelling.
- Palpation: Palpate the scalp for tenderness, masses, or lesions. Assess the skull for abnormalities, such as fractures or lumps. Examine the lymph nodes in the neck for enlargement or tenderness.
Eyes
- Visual Acuity: Test visual acuity using a Snellen chart or other method.
- External Examination: Inspect the eyelids, eyelashes, and conjunctiva for redness, swelling, or discharge. Examine the pupils for size, shape, and equality. Check the extraocular muscles for proper function.
- Ophthalmoscopy: Use an ophthalmoscope to examine the fundus of the eye, including the retina, macula, optic disc, and blood vessels.
Ears
- Otoscopy: Use an otoscope to examine the external auditory canal and tympanic membrane. Check for wax, debris, inflammation, or perforation.
- Hearing Test: Perform a tuning fork or other hearing test to assess hearing acuity.
Nose
- External Examination: Inspect the external nose for shape, symmetry, and discharge. Evaluate the patency of the nostrils.
- Nasal Endoscopy (if necessary): Use a nasal endoscope to visualize the nasal cavity and sinuses, checking for inflammation, polyps, or structural abnormalities.
Mouth and Throat
- External Examination: Inspect the lips, teeth, gums, and tongue for abnormalities. Check for sores, lesions, or swelling.
- Pharyngeal Examination: Use a tongue depressor to visualize the pharynx. Examine the tonsils, soft palate, and uvula for redness, swelling, or exudate.
Neck
- Inspection: Observe the size, shape, and symmetry of the neck. Check for masses, swelling, or rigidity.
- Palpation: Palpate the neck for enlarged lymph nodes, thyroid enlargement, or other abnormalities. Assess the trachea for midline position.
- Auscultation: Auscultate the carotid arteries for bruits or murmurs.
Chest
- Inspection: Observe the chest for symmetry, shape, and respiratory movements. Look for deformities, bulging, or retractions.
- Palpation: Palpate the chest wall for tenderness, masses, or crepitus. Assess breath sounds over the lungs, including auscultation for wheezes, crackles, or rales.
- Percussion: Percuss the chest wall to assess for dullness or hyperresonance.
- Auscultation: Auscultate the heart for regular rhythm, normal heart sounds, and murmurs.
Abdomen
- Inspection: Observe the abdomen for size, shape, and contour. Look for distension, hernias, or other abnormalities.
- Auscultation: Auscultate the abdomen for bowel sounds.
- Palpation: Perform light and deep palpation to assess for tenderness, masses, or organomegaly. Percuss the abdomen to differentiate between solid and fluid-filled structures.
- Percussion: Percuss the abdomen to identify areas of dullness or tympany.
- Rectal Examination (if necessary): Perform a rectal examination to assess the prostate gland and rectum for any abnormalities.
Genitals
- External Examination: Inspect the external genitalia, including the penis, testes, and scrotum (in males) or vulva, vagina, and cervix (in females). Check for lesions, discharge, or other abnormalities.
- Pelvic Examination (if necessary; in females): Use a speculum and bimanual examination to visualize and palpate the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
Musculoskeletal System
- Inspection: Observe the musculoskeletal system for symmetry, posture, range of motion, and gait. Look for deformities, swelling, or muscle weakness.
- Palpation: Palpate muscles and joints for tenderness, swelling, or crepitus. Assess range of motion and test for muscle strength.
- Neurological Examination: Perform neurological tests, such as reflexes, sensation, and coordination, to assess the function of the nervous system.
Skin
- Inspection: Examine the skin for color, texture, lesions, or other abnormalities. Assess for wounds, ulcers, or rashes.
- Palpation: Palpate the skin for tenderness, temperature, and texture changes. Check for moles, warts, or other skin growths.