Physical Examination

Abstract

While the history is taken, the patient is under examination. This becomes automatic with experience. Thus, thyrotoxicosis may be suspected because of the general appearance, the manner of speech, nervousness, and sweating. In a young man, pulsating neck arteries may suggest aortic incompetence or coarctation of the aorta. Cyanosis, wheezing, and dyspnea in an elderly person suggests chronic car pulmonale. The patient’s coloring, nutritional state, temperament, and bodily habitus are noted.