A physical examination is a routine test done to assess a person’s general health. It involves an examination of the entire body or specific parts of the body by looking, feeling, listening and producing sounds.
Why a physical examination is done
A physical examination may be done:
- as part of a regular checkup
- to screen for diseases, such as cancer
- to assess risk of future medical problems
- to encourage a healthy lifestyle
- to maintain a relationship with a doctor in case of an illness
- to monitor the health of a person during and after cancer treatment
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How a physical examination is done
A physical examination is done by a doctor or other healthcare professional. It often includes a health history.
Health history
A health history is a record of present symptoms, risk factors and all the medical events and problems a person has had in the past. The medical history of a person’s family is also an important part of the health history when screening for cancer.
In taking a medical history, the healthcare professional will ask questions about:
- a personal health history
- past illnesses
- medical conditions
- surgeries
- immunizations
- use of prescription and over-the-counter medicines
- lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, smoking or alcohol use, sexual and reproductive history
- detailed questions about any signs and symptoms or potential health problems
- family history to find out if any close family members have had cancer and the type they had
- occupational history to identify exposure to substances or hazards that are associated with cancer
When taking a medical history for children, the doctor will also ask questions about:
- prenatal (before birth) and neonatal (newborn) growth and development, including maternal illness and exposure to drugs and alcohol
- growth and development
Physical examination
The physical examination includes a review of the person’s body systems that is tailored to their age. A complete physical examination may include:
- measuring height and weight
- examining the skin and eyes
- looking into the nose, mouth and throat
- feeling pulses in the neck, groin and feet
- checking reflexes
- listening to the heart, lungs and abdomen
- feeling the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits (axilla) or groin to see if they are enlarged
- taking blood pressure and pulse
- feeling the abdomen to check for growths on or abnormalities of organs (especially the liver, spleen and kidneys)
For younger children, a complete physical examination may also include:
- measuring head circumference in infants
- assessing fine motor development, such as the ability to pick up small objects or tie shoes
- assessing gross motor development, such as the ability to walk, climb stairs or jump
Depending on the age or sex of the person, a physical exam may include:
- a clinical breast examination (CBE) to feel for lumps in the breasts
- a digital rectal examination (DRE) to feel for abnormalities in the lower part of the rectum and to check the condition of the prostate in men
- a pelvic examination (gynecologic) in women to feel the uterus and ovaries, visually inspect the vagina and cervix and perform a Pap test
- checking the testicles in men
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What happens if a change or abnormality is found
The healthcare professional will discuss the findings of the physical examination with you and may suggest that tests, procedures or follow-up care is needed.
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Special considerations for children
Being prepared for a test or procedure can reduce anxiety, increase cooperation and help the child develop coping skills. A parent may be able to encourage the child to express any fears and address these fears in words the child understands.
To prepare children for a physical examination:
- Explain why they are seeing the doctor.
- Address any feelings of guilt they may have that the illness or condition is their fault.
- Reassure children that the illness or condition is not their fault.
- Let them know that other children have the same illness.
- Tell children what to expect during a routine physical examination.
- Explain what will happen and what they will see, feel or hear during the examination.
- List examples of what the healthcare professional might do, which includes:
- looking in the mouth, at the eyes and in the ears
- listening to the chest with a stethoscope
- tapping or pressing on the tummy to feel what’s inside
- looking at the genitals to check that they are healthy
- tapping on the knees
- looking at the feet
- Involve children in the process.
- Help them to gather information for the healthcare professional, including creating a list of any symptoms they have.
- Ask children to write down any questions they have for the healthcare professional.
- Honour and respect teenagers’ choices.
- They may feel more comfortable with a male or female healthcare professional.
- Before their checkup, find out if they want their parent or caregiver to be a part of the visit.
- Many teenagers prefer to keep parents out of discussions about puberty, sexual feelings, weight, body image and relationships with peers and family members.
Preparation for a physical examination depends on the age and experience of the child. See the following for more age-specific information on helping children cope with tests and treatment.
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