Clinical Examination
Clinical Examination - Related Videos
13:42
Clinical Examination Protocol to Detect Atypical and Classical Scrapie in Sheep
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Cited by 23 •
2014
A short clinical examination protocol is presented to aid in the detection of classical and atypical scrapie in sheep and goats.
08:43
Diagnosis of Musculus Gastrocnemius Tightness - Key Factors for the Clinical Examination
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Cited by 12 •
2016
Isolated Musculus gastrocnemius tightness is a common cause for foot and ankle pathologies. Currently no standardized examination procedure exists. This manuscript demonstrates that 20 degree of knee flexion eliminates the restraining effect of the M. gastrocnemius on ankle dorsiflexion and presents a video description of a standardized examination protocol.
35:03
Mental Status Examination
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2023
Source: Carmen Black, Matthew Goldenberg, and Jaideep Talwalkar; Yale School of Medicine The mental status exam is a clinical evaluation of emotional, perceptual, and cognitive functioning that spans both the fields of psychiatry and neurology. Developing skill in the psychiatric portions of the examination are important to describe salient aspects of the patient's mental state that may be observed during routine history and/or physical exam. Proficiency in the cognitive portions of this...
07:44
Ophthalmoscopic Examination
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2023
Source: Richard Glickman-Simon, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, MA The simplest ophthalmoscopes consist of an aperture to look through, a diopter indicator, and a disc for selecting lenses. The ophthalmoscope is primarily used to examine the fundus, or the inner wall of the posterior eye, which consists of the choroid, retina, fovea, macula, optic disc, and retinal vessels (Figure 1). The spherical eyeball...
20:06
The Comprehensive Infant Examination
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2023
Source: Heather Collette and Jaideep Talwalkar; Yale School of Medicine The newborn exam is important in establishing a baby's baseline health status as they enter the world. Newborn providers have the unique opportunity to evaluate a patient for the very first time. They are also tasked with identifying congenital anomalies that require early intervention to promote a long and healthy life for the child. Many newborn anomalies, such as heart defects, are noted on prenatal ultrasound. However,...
FAQs
Interpretation depends on context rather than on an isolated finding. Clinicians compare observations with the patient’s history, physical findings, vital signs, and, when appropriate, bedside investigations. This integrated view helps identify which abnormalities may be clinically meaningful and supports more focused reasoning about whether additional diagnostic testing is warranted.
These examination techniques allow clinicians to gather different forms of observable information. Inspection relies on direct observation, palpation uses touch, percussion assesses findings produced by tapping, and auscultation involves listening. Used alongside vital-sign measurement, they broaden assessment beyond a single observation and help clinicians interpret the patient’s condition more systematically.
A physical finding has greater meaning when considered with the patient’s reported history and other examination results. Combining these sources helps clinicians distinguish normal variation from possible disease, decide whether bedside investigations or further testing are appropriate, and develop a reasoned assessment rather than relying on one sign in isolation.
The process begins by gathering the patient’s medical history and then assessing observable findings through physical examination. Clinicians may measure vital signs and perform bedside investigations when appropriate. They then interpret the collected information in context, using the results to guide diagnostic testing, care priorities, treatment decisions, or follow-up.
Findings from the assessment can help identify abnormalities that require prompt attention, particularly when they indicate a potentially serious change in the patient’s condition. By combining history, physical findings, and vital signs, clinicians can prioritize urgent care while using additional testing when necessary to clarify the situation.
Repeated assessment provides a basis for comparing the patient’s condition over time. Changes in physical findings, vital signs, or other collected information may show whether treatment is producing improvement or whether the situation is changing. This ongoing comparison supports treatment decisions, recovery monitoring, and clearer communication between patients and healthcare professionals.