Physical Examination (Part 1)

In a physical examination, objective findings are analyzed by observation, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. The physical examination and medical history are combined to establish a diagnosis and determine a treatment plan.

This quiz will help you understand the terminology used in the Physical Examination.

  • Question of

    A vital sign that measures the force exerted by circulating blood on blood vessel walls, also called arterial blood pressure.

    • Blood pressure
    • Biopsy
    • Funduscopy
    • Diagnosis

    Correct Wrong

    During the heartbeat cycle, and according to an individual's age, health, and physical condition, blood pressure varies.

  • Question of

    Using the fingers or hands to feel during a physical examination.

    • Palpation
    • Auscultation
    • Inspection
    • Medical history

    Correct Wrong

    During a physical examination, palpation is performed with the fingers or hands. In examining an organ or body part, the health care provider feels it and examines its size, consistency, texture, location, and tenderness.

  • Question of

    An indication of the status of the body’s vital functions (life-sustaining functions).

    • Vital signs
    • Diagnosis
    • Oxygen saturation
    • Temperature

    Correct Wrong

    The vital signs (also called vitals) measure the health of the body's vital (life-sustaining) systems. The four primary vital signs are body temperature, blood pressure, pulse (heart rate), and breathing rate (respiratory rate).

  • Question of

    Blood pressure is typically measured with a manual sphygmomanometer in conjunction with it.

    • Stethoscope
    • Funduscopy
    • Otoscope
    • Endoscopy

    Correct Wrong

    Stethoscopes are acoustic medical devices used to listen to the internal sounds of the body. The stethoscope can be used to listen to sounds made by the heart, lungs, and intestines, as well as the blood flow in arteries and veins.

  • Question of

    Obtaining samples of cells or tissues for analysis to determine whether a disease is present.

    • Biopsy
    • Auscultation
    • Otoscope
    • Percussion

    Correct Wrong

    Typically, a surgeon, interventional radiologist, or interventional cardiologist performs a biopsy. During the process, sample cells or tissues are extracted for examination to determine the presence or extent of a disease.

  • Question of

    It is the period between contractions when the heart chambers relax and dilate and fill with blood.

    • Diastole
    • Temperature
    • Systole
    • Pulse

    Correct Wrong

    The diastole is the phase between contractions when the heart chambers relax and dilate, during which they fill with blood.

  • Question of

    Identify the medical abbreviation.

    • millimeters of mercury
    • millimeters of machine
    • millimeters of medicine
    • millimeters of magnesium

    Correct Wrong

    For calculating blood pressure, millimeters of mercury (mmHg) are used. In every case, the upper (systolic) reading is given first, followed by the lower (diastolic).

  • Question of

    During the cardiac cycle, some of the heart’s chambers contract after they are filled with blood.

    • Systole
    • Diastole
    • Oxygen saturation
    • Vital signs

    Correct Wrong

    As part of the cardiac cycle, the systole is marked by contractions of some walls of the heart after blood has been refilled.

  • Question of

    It involves listening to the sounds of the internal organs with a stethoscope.

    • Auscultation
    • Inspection
    • Respiration
    • Percussion

    Correct Wrong

    In auscultation, the internal sounds of the body are generally listened to using a stethoscope. A detailed examination of the circulatory system, respiratory system (heart and breath sounds), and alimentary canal is undertaken during auscultation.

  • Question of

    This device is made up of an inflatable cuff that is used to measure blood pressure.

    • Sphygmomanometer
    • Biopsy
    • Endoscopy
    • Otoscope

    Correct Wrong

    Sphygmomanometers, also called blood pressure monitors or blood pressure gauges, measure blood pressure by releasing the artery under a trapped inflatable cuff in a controlled fashion, with a mercury or aneroid manometer to determine the pressure. When using the auscultatory technique, manual sphygmomanometers are used with a stethoscope.