Physical Examination Center in Antigua
Physicals
A physical examination is a general examination of the body performed by the doctor or other certified medical personal. The examination will cover most of the basic systems of the body, including the heart system, lung system, gut system and nerve system examination. Additional examination can be added depending on the clinical scenarios. The purposes of a full physical examination is to confirm any present issues after the clinical history; and to find possible pathologies that are present but yet to be known about.
The standard physical exam typically includes:
- Vital signs: blood pressure, breathing rate, pulse rate, temperature, height, and weight
- Vision acuity: testing the sharpness or clarity of vision from a distance
- Head, eyes, ears, nose and throat exam: inspection, palpation, and testing, as appropriate
- Gastrointestinal examination: may include any of inspection, auscultation (listening for bowel sounds), percussion (a special tapping technique to deduce any tenderness), or palpation (a touching technique using the clinician’s hand on the relevant body part, in this case, abdomen, to observe any muscle guarding, rigidity, or tenderness)
- Cardiovascular evaluation: general appearance, inspection of eyes (retinal arteries) and heartbeat, blood laboratory tests, and when required by regulations, electrocardiogram
- Respiratory assessment: respiratory rate, observation of skin appearance, breathing sounds and postures. Employees at workplaces required to have a respiratory protection program may also undergo respirator medical evaluation for respirator use.
- Musculoskeletal assessment: Muscles, bones, and joints are assessed by functional grouping using techniques of inspection, palpation, and manipulation (applying pressure or movement) while the clinician observes responses and reactions.
- Neuro exam: observation and testing or observation alone of mental awareness, motor function and balance, sensory response, and nerves/reflexes
- Skin and lymph node check: skin tone/pallor and lymph nodes are inspected
Visit us at Bowen Medical for your physical examination and back to school physical clearance.