Physical Examination Techniques: Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a step in the physical examination process?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosis

Answer

Inspection

Answer

Palpation

Answer

Percussion

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of palpation in a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

To detect abnormalities in texture, size, shape, and tenderness of tissues.

Answer

To listen to sounds produced by organs and tissues.

Answer

To observe changes in skin color and swelling.

Question 3

Which instrument is used for percussion in physical examination?

Accepted Answer

Pleximeter and reflex hammer

Answer

Goniometer and dynamometer

Answer

Stethoscope and sphygmomanometer

Answer

Otoscope and nasal speculum

Question 4

Which of the following is a clinical sign of dehydration?

Accepted Answer

Dry mucous membranes

Answer

Rapid capillary refill time

Answer

Increased skin turgor

Answer

Full and bounding pulses

Question 5

What is the correct order for performing a physical examination of the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

Inspection, palpation, auscultation, percussion

Answer

Palpation, inspection, auscultation, percussion

Answer

Percussion, palpation, auscultation, inspection

Answer

Auscultation, palpation, inspection, percussion

Question 6

Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for performing a comprehensive physical examination?

Accepted Answer

Patient is unconscious and unresponsive

Answer

Patient is in pain

Answer

Patient is nauseated

Answer

Patient has a fever

Question 7

What is the main purpose of using good lighting during a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

To enhance visualization of the patient and detect subtle changes.

Answer

To make the patient feel more comfortable

Answer

To reduce the risk of infection

Question 8

Which of the following is a potential limitation of a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

Can be subjective and influenced by examiner's experience and biases.

Answer

Can diagnose all medical conditions accurately

Answer

Is a quick and cost-effective assessment method

Question 9

Why is it crucial to maintain patient confidentiality during a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

Protects patient privacy and builds trust.

Answer

Reduces the risk of legal implications

Answer

Ensures accurate documentation of findings

Answer

Facilitates collaboration among healthcare professionals

Question 10

Which documentation format is best for recording physical examination findings?

Accepted Answer

SOAP notes (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) - they provide a structured way to record findings.

Answer

Free text - allows for flexibility and detailed descriptions.

Answer

Flow sheets - quick and easy for structured data.

Answer

Checklists - ensure all relevant aspects are addressed.

Question 11

What is the primary focus when using the inspection technique during a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

Carefully watching the patient's appearance, position, and actions

Answer

Listening to internal body sounds with a stethoscope

Answer

Tapping the body to examine underlying structures

Answer

Feeling the patient's body to assess its texture, warmth, and any unusual lumps

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a cardinal sign of inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Cyanosis

Answer

Calor (heat)

Answer

Dolor (pain)

Answer

Rubor (redness)

Question 13

What is the ideal hand position for palpation?

Accepted Answer

Firm, flat, and parallel to the skin

Answer

Light and circular

Answer

Deep and intermittent

Answer

Rolling and pinching

Question 14

What is the primary purpose of the Glasgow Coma Scale?

Accepted Answer

To assess level of consciousness

Answer

To evaluate respiratory status

Answer

To monitor pain intensity

Answer

To assess neurological function

Question 15

Which of the following is a contraindication for performing a rectal examination?

Accepted Answer

Suspected rectal trauma

Answer

Diarrhea

Answer

Constipation

Answer

Hemorrhoids

Question 16

What is the optimal method for detecting cardiac murmurs?

Accepted Answer

Auscultation with a stethoscope

Answer

Palpation

Answer

Percussion

Question 17

What is the proper approach to conducting a skin examination?

Accepted Answer

Observe, palpate, then document

Answer

Palpate, observe, then document

Answer

Observe, document, then palpate

Answer

Document, observe, then palpate

Question 18

Which of the following is a crucial aspect of a comprehensive physical examination?

Accepted Answer

Recording and interpreting findings

Answer

Relying exclusively on patient history

Answer

Completing the examination as rapidly as possible

Answer

Performing only the most essential procedures

Question 19

What is the primary objective of palpation during a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

To evaluate the size, shape, and consistency of organs or tissues.

Answer

To visualize internal structures of the body.

Answer

To listen to sounds produced by the body.

Question 20

What is the main goal of auscultation during a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

To listen to sounds generated by the body.

Answer

To visualize internal structures of the body.

Answer

To elicit sounds by tapping the body.

Answer

To evaluate the size, shape, and consistency of organs or tissues.

Question 21

Which of the following is not considered a standard component of a comprehensive physical examination?

Accepted Answer

Collecting the patient's medical history

Answer

Palpation

Answer

Inspection

Answer

Auscultation

Question 22

When conducting a physical examination, which factor holds the highest priority?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring patient safety

Answer

Making the patient feel at ease

Answer

Performing the examination quickly

Answer

Obtaining accurate results

Question 23

Which characteristic is most essential for an effective physical examination?

Accepted Answer

Thoroughness

Answer

Speed

Answer

Efficiency

Answer

Accuracy

Question 24

Which of the following is not a potential obstacle to performing a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

Patient cooperation

Answer

Time constraints

Answer

Patient modesty

Answer

Cultural differences

Question 25

Which of the following is **not** a technique used in physical examination?

Accepted Answer

Radiography

Answer

Auscultation

Answer

Inspection

Answer

Palpation

Question 26

When palpating a lymph node, which of the following characteristics should be assessed?

Accepted Answer

Size, mobility, tenderness, and consistency

Answer

Mobility

Answer

Size

Answer

Tenderness

Question 27

Which of the following percussion notes is associated with consolidation?

Accepted Answer

Dullness

Answer

Hyperresonance

Answer

Resonance

Question 28

What is the purpose of auscultating the heart?

Accepted Answer

To assess heart sounds, murmurs, and rhythm

Answer

To assess abdominal sounds

Answer

To assess lung sounds

Answer

To assess bowel sounds

Question 29

Which of the following is **not** a benefit of physical examination?

Accepted Answer

It can be used to diagnose all medical conditions.

Answer

It can provide valuable information about a patient's health status.

Answer

It can be used to monitor the progress of a patient's treatment.

Answer

It can help to build a rapport with patients.

Question 30

What is the purpose of a neurological examination?

Accepted Answer

To assess the function of the central and peripheral nervous systems

Answer

To assess the function of the respiratory system

Answer

To assess the function of the digestive system

Answer

To assess the function of the cardiovascular system

Question 31

Which of the following is a common symptom of a urinary tract infection?

Accepted Answer

Dysuria and urinary frequency

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Cough

Question 32

What is the most important thing to remember when performing a physical examination on a patient with a suspected fracture?

Accepted Answer

Immobilize and support the injured area to prevent further damage.

Answer

Apply ice to the injured area

Answer

Elevate the injured area

Question 33

What is the correct sequential order of the four physical examination techniques?

Accepted Answer

Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation

Answer

Palpation, percussion, inspection, auscultation

Answer

Auscultation, percussion, palpation, inspection

Answer

Inspection, auscultation, palpation, percussion

Question 34

Which of the following is the primary purpose of palpation during a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

To assess the tenderness, texture, temperature, and size of organs and structures.

Answer

To listen to sounds produced by the body.

Answer

To visually examine the body for any abnormalities.

Question 35

Which of the following is a common physical sign associated with edema?

Accepted Answer

Swelling or puffiness in the extremities or around the eyes

Answer

Presence of a rash or skin irritation.

Answer

Increased heart rate or respirations.

Question 36

What is the technique used to listen to sounds produced by the heart, lungs, and abdomen?

Accepted Answer

Auscultation

Answer

Inspection

Answer

Palpation

Answer

Percussion

Question 37

Which of the following is a common abnormal lung sound that may be detected during auscultation?

Accepted Answer

Wheezing

Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Eczema

Question 38

What is the primary purpose of percussion in a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

To assess the density and size of organs and structures.

Answer

To listen to body sounds in a specific area.

Answer

To palpate for tenderness or pain.

Question 39

Which of the following percussion notes indicates the presence of increased air content in the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Hyperresonant

Answer

Flat

Answer

Dull

Answer

Tympanic

Question 40

What is the correct position for auscultating the apical pulse?

Accepted Answer

Patient lying on their left side, with the stethoscope placed over the apex of the heart.

Answer

Patient sitting upright, with the stethoscope placed over the radial artery.

Answer

Patient standing, with the stethoscope placed over the carotid artery.

Question 41

Which of the following physical signs is indicative of dehydration?

Accepted Answer

Dry mucous membranes and decreased skin turgor.

Answer

Clear lung sounds

Answer

Presence of edema or swelling.

Answer

Increased heart rate and respirations.

Question 42

What is the primary purpose of the Romberg test?

Accepted Answer

To assess the individual's balance and coordination.

Answer

To palpate for tenderness or pain.

Answer

To check for reflexes.

Answer

To evaluate range of motion in the joints.

Question 43

What is the correct order of techniques typically used in a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation

Answer

Auscultation, Percussion, Inspection, Palpation

Answer

Palpation, Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion

Answer

Percussion, Auscultation, Palpation, Inspection

Question 44

What is the main purpose of using palpation during a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

To feel for texture, temperature, and tenderness

Answer

To observe the skin and mucous membranes

Answer

To check for reflexes

Answer

To listen for unusual heart or lung sounds

Question 45

What is the primary goal of auscultation in a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

To listen for sounds from the heart, lungs, and bowels

Answer

To feel for lumps or pain

Answer

To look for rashes or sores

Answer

To assess how well the skin bounces back

Question 46

When conducting a physical examination, it's essential to:

Accepted Answer

Use all your senses: sight, touch, hearing, and smell

Answer

Focus only on the patient's main complaint

Answer

Wear gloves at all times

Answer

Ignore the patient's medical history

Question 47

What should be the top priority during a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

The patient's safety

Answer

The patient's comfort

Answer

The accuracy of the findings

Answer

Completing the examination quickly

Question 48

Which of the following is a potential risk associated with a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

An allergic reaction to latex gloves

Answer

A heart attack

Answer

A stroke

Answer

Pneumonia

Question 49

How should findings from a physical examination be documented?

Accepted Answer

Clearly and concisely, using medical terminology

Answer

In as much detail as possible, even if it's repetitive

Answer

Including the patient's personal feelings about their condition

Answer

Using only abbreviations

Question 50

What is a key ethical consideration when performing a physical examination?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining the patient's privacy and confidentiality

Answer

Using the newest medical technology

Answer

Always wearing a white coat