After completing chapter 38, you will be able to: Identify the purpose of a general physical exam, describe the role of the medical assistant in a general physical exam, explain safety precautions used during a general physical exam, carry out the steps necessary to prepare the patient for an exam,.q | 38 Assisting with General Physical Examination Learning Outcomes (cont.) Identify the purpose of a general physical exam. Describe the role of the medical assistant in a general physical exam. Explain safety precautions used during a general physical exam. Learning Outcomes (cont.) Carry out the steps necessary to prepare the patient for an exam. Carry out positioning and draping a patient in each of the nine common exam positions. Apply techniques to assist patients from different cultures and patients with physical disabilities. Learning Outcomes (cont.) Identify the six examination methods used in a general physical exam. List the components of a general physical exam. Describe follow-up steps after a general physical exam. Introduction Physical examination – 1st step in the diagnosis or treatment process The medical assistant Make the client comfortable Assist the physician A skilled medical assistant can create an . | 38 Assisting with General Physical Examination Learning Outcomes (cont.) Identify the purpose of a general physical exam. Describe the role of the medical assistant in a general physical exam. Explain safety precautions used during a general physical exam. Learning Outcomes (cont.) Carry out the steps necessary to prepare the patient for an exam. Carry out positioning and draping a patient in each of the nine common exam positions. Apply techniques to assist patients from different cultures and patients with physical disabilities. Learning Outcomes (cont.) Identify the six examination methods used in a general physical exam. List the components of a general physical exam. Describe follow-up steps after a general physical exam. Introduction Physical examination – 1st step in the diagnosis or treatment process The medical assistant Make the client comfortable Assist the physician A skilled medical assistant can create an atmosphere that results in a positive outcome for the patient during the physical examination. Learning Outcomes: Identify the purpose of a general physical exam. Describe the role of the medical assistant in a general physical examination. The Purpose of General Physical Exam To confirm an overall state of health and provide baseline values To diagnose a medical problem Learning Outcomes: Identify the purpose of a general physical exam. Physicians can determine much about a patient’s general condition of health from the exam. Physicians usually focus on a particular organ system to diagnose a problem but generally perform an overall physical exam even when a specific medical problem exists because of the interdependence of organ systems The Purpose of General Physical Exam (cont.) Clinical diagnosis Sign ~ objective Symptom ~ subjective Laboratory and diagnostic tests Confirm clinical diagnosis Help determine the differential diagnosis and prognosis Formulation of .
