What does a physical examination include?

Physical examination includes inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation, and olfaction. It is a fundamental method by which doctors use their senses or simple instruments to assess the body's condition and can provide preliminary identification of abnormalities in tissues and organs. If abnormal signs are detected during physical examination or if symptoms are present, further evaluation is recommended.

1. Inspection: The doctor visually examines the patient’s appearance, behavior, and local tissue conditions, such as facial color, skin tone, chest wall shape, and limb movement, to preliminarily identify possible abnormalities like jaundice, chest deformities, or limb swelling.

2. Palpation: The doctor uses hands to touch or press parts of the body to assess temperature, moisture, tenderness, or presence of masses. For example, abdominal palpation helps detect tenderness or rebound pain; examining superficial lymph nodes helps determine their size and mobility, assisting in identifying the location and nature of pathological changes.

3. Percussion: The doctor lightly taps the body surface with fingers or a percussion hammer and evaluates underlying organ conditions based on the resulting sounds (e.g., resonant, dull, tympanic). For instance, lung percussion helps assess pulmonary health, while abdominal percussion can detect the presence of ascites.

4. Auscultation: The doctor uses a stethoscope to listen to internal body sounds. Heart rate and rhythm are assessed for cardiac function; breath sounds help identify pulmonary infections; bowel sounds are evaluated to determine intestinal motility.

5. Olfaction: The doctor uses the sense of smell to detect abnormal odors from the patient’s breath, secretions, or excretions. For example, a fruity (acetone-like) odor may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, while a foul, fishy odor may suggest anaerobic infection.

Individuals should pay attention to bodily changes in daily life—such as skin color, body temperature, and breathing patterns—maintain good hygiene, follow regular作息 (sleep-wake cycles) to strengthen physical health, promptly address any abnormalities, and provide accurate information for physical examinations.