Master Physical Examination Techniques: A Comprehensive Guide for Medical Students

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a component of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)?

Accepted Answer

Pupillary reflex

Answer

Eye opening

Answer

Verbal response

Answer

Motor response

Question 2

When performing abdominal palpation, the examiner should begin by:

Accepted Answer

Gently palpating the superficial layers

Answer

Auscultating bowel sounds

Answer

Percussing the abdomen

Answer

Deeply palpating the organs

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a sign of dehydration?

Accepted Answer

Increased blood pressure

Answer

Dry mucous membranes

Answer

Poor skin turgor

Answer

Sunken eyes

Question 4

Which musculoskeletal test specifically measures joint movement?

Accepted Answer

Goniometry

Answer

Palpation

Answer

Percussion

Question 5

Which of the following is a common sign of peritonitis?

Accepted Answer

Abdominal guarding

Answer

Hyperactive bowel sounds

Answer

Absence of bowel sounds

Answer

Diarrhoea

Question 6

What is the purpose of the Romberg test?

Accepted Answer

To assess cerebellar function and balance

Answer

To test for sensory ataxia

Answer

To detect peripheral neuropathy

Answer

To evaluate muscle strength

Question 7

Which of the following is a normal range for blood pressure in adults?

Accepted Answer

120/80 - 140/90 mmHg

Answer

110/70 - 130/80 mmHg

Answer

100/60 - 120/70 mmHg

Answer

90/50 - 110/60 mmHg

Question 8

When measuring temperature, which site is considered the most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Rectal

Answer

Oral

Answer

Axillary

Answer

Tympanic

Question 9

Which of the following is a sign of dehydration?

Accepted Answer

Dry mucous membranes

Answer

Increased urine output

Answer

Normal skin turgor

Answer

Absence of thirst

Question 10

Which type of respiration involves slow, shallow breathing?

Accepted Answer

Cheyne-Stokes respiration

Answer

Kussmaul respiration

Answer

Biot respiration

Answer

Apneustic respiration

Question 11

In the assessment of respiratory function, which step should be performed first?

Accepted Answer

Chest expansion inspection

Answer

Chest percussion

Answer

Lung auscultation

Answer

Chest palpation

Question 12

Splinter hemorrhages beneath the nail beds are a clinical sign suggestive of which underlying condition?

Accepted Answer

Infective endocarditis

Answer

Vitamin C deficiency

Answer

Hepatic disease

Answer

Renal failure

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a positive Babinski reflex?

Accepted Answer

Plantar flexion of the toes

Answer

Dorsiflexion of the big toe

Answer

Fanning of the other toes

Answer

Extensor plantar response

Question 14

During abdominal examination, which patient position is recommended?

Accepted Answer

Lying supine

Answer

Sitting upright

Answer

Lying in left lateral position

Answer

Lying in right lateral position

Question 15

The characteristic skin rash associated with measles is predominantly described as:

Accepted Answer

Maculopapular

Answer

Vesicular

Answer

Urticarial

Answer

Erythematous

Question 16

During auscultation of the lungs, what specific sounds should the examiner attentively listen for?

Accepted Answer

Crackles, wheezes, and rhonchi

Answer

Bowel sounds

Answer

Gurgling and splashing sounds

Answer

Heart murmurs

Question 17

To assess for jugular venous distension effectively, which method should be employed?

Accepted Answer

Elevate the patient's head to a 45-degree angle and observe the neck veins

Answer

Listen to the neck veins using a stethoscope

Answer

Palpate the neck veins with your fingertips

Question 18

Among young adults, which condition is the most frequent cause of abdominal pain?

Accepted Answer

Irritable bowel syndrome

Answer

Pancreatitis

Answer

Appendicitis

Answer

Peptic ulcer disease

Question 19

For optimal skin cancer screening, which approach is recommended?

Accepted Answer

Conduct a comprehensive full-body skin examination annually

Answer

Refer patients with suspicious lesions to a dermatologist immediately

Answer

Perform biopsies on any suspicious lesions

Answer

Examine suspicious lesions with a magnifying glass

Question 20

What is the most prominent sign indicating meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Nuchal rigidity

Answer

Fever

Answer

Vomiting

Answer

Headache

Question 21

To assess peripheral edema accurately, what is the appropriate technique?

Accepted Answer

Apply pressure to the skin over the tibia for 5 seconds and observe for pitting

Answer

Palpate the lymph nodes in the groin

Answer

Measure the calf's circumference

Question 22

For effective documentation of a physical examination, which method is considered best practice?

Accepted Answer

Utilize a standardized template encompassing all relevant information

Answer

Dictate the findings into a voice recorder

Answer

Write a free-form narrative description of the findings

Question 23

In the context of physical examinations, which ethical principle is paramount?

Accepted Answer

Patient autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence