Chapter 38 - Assisting with a general physical examination. After completing this chapter you will be able to: State the purpose of a general physical examination, đescribe the role of the medical assistant in a general physical examination, explain safety precautions used during a general physical examination, outline the steps necessary to prepare the patient for an examination. | 38 Assisting with a General Physical Examination 38- Learning Outcomes Identify the purpose of a general physical examination. Describe the role of the medical assistant in a general physical examination. Explain safety precautions used during a general physical examination. Carry out the steps necessary to prepare the patient for an examination. 38- Learning Outcomes (cont.) Describe how to position and drape a patient in each of the ten common examination positions. Describe how to assist patients from different cultures, patients with disabilities, and pediatric patients during a physical examination. Identify the six examination methods used in a general physical examination. List the components of a general physical examination. 38- Learning Outcomes (cont.) Perform the procedures for vision screenings. Perform the procedures for hearing screenings. Explain the special needs of the elderly for patient . | 38 Assisting with a General Physical Examination 38- Learning Outcomes Identify the purpose of a general physical examination. Describe the role of the medical assistant in a general physical examination. Explain safety precautions used during a general physical examination. Carry out the steps necessary to prepare the patient for an examination. 38- Learning Outcomes (cont.) Describe how to position and drape a patient in each of the ten common examination positions. Describe how to assist patients from different cultures, patients with disabilities, and pediatric patients during a physical examination. Identify the six examination methods used in a general physical examination. List the components of a general physical examination. 38- Learning Outcomes (cont.) Perform the procedures for vision screenings. Perform the procedures for hearing screenings. Explain the special needs of the elderly for patient education. Identify ways to help a patient follow up on a doctor’s recommendations. 38- Introduction You must make the client comfortable and assist the physician during the physical examination Physical examination is the first step in the process for the physician. A skilled medical assistant can create an atmosphere that results in a positive outcome for the patient during the physical examination. 38- Purpose of General Physical Examination To confirm an overall state of health To diagnose a medical problem Focuses on an organ system Based on patient’s chief complaint 38- Purpose of General Physical Examination (cont.) Clinical diagnosis Based on signs and symptoms of a disease Sign – objective information that can be detected Symptom – subjective information from the patient Laboratory and diagnostic tests Confirm clinical diagnosis Aid in forming differential diagnosis Aid in developing a prognosis Formulate a treatment plan and/or drug therapy 38- Role of Medical
