Physical Examination

Module objectives

By the end of this module, you should be able to gather focused information, identify the most likely and most dangerous diagnoses, choose appropriate investigations, begin safe management and communicate the plan clearly.

Core presentations

Complete 11-minute guide

Cardiovascular examination

Full 11-minute sequence, JVP, precordium, auscultation, heart-failure findings, investigations and management.

Complete cardiovascular examination →Complete 11-minute guide

Respiratory examination

Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation, pleural-effusion localization, investigations and management.

Complete respiratory examination →Complete 11-minute guide

Abdominal examination

Correct abdominal sequence, peritonism assessment, RLQ localization, investigations and surgical safety.

Complete abdominal examination →Complete 11-minute guide

Focused neurologic examination

Focused stroke examination, localization, cranial nerves, motor/sensory testing and time-critical stroke actions.

Complete neurologic examination →Complete 11-minute guide

Musculoskeletal examination

Look-feel-move joint examination, hot swollen knee, septic arthritis recognition and urgent aspiration pathway.

Complete musculoskeletal examination →Complete 11-minute guide

Peripheral vascular examination

Arterial and venous assessment, pulse examination, limb-threat recognition and vascular escalation.

Complete peripheral vascular examination →Complete 11-minute guide

Thyroid examination

Thyroid-status signs, neck examination, nodules, lymph nodes, investigations and red flags.

Complete thyroid examination →Complete 11-minute guide

Mental-status examination

Structured MSE, cognition, psychosis, insight, suicide/violence risk and safe disposition.

Complete mental-status examination →

Expected station skills

Wash hands and obtain consent
Position and expose appropriately
Inspect before palpation
Perform focused maneuvers
State omitted completion steps
Summarize key findings

Module drill: For each presentation, state the leading diagnosis, the dangerous alternative, one discriminating question, one discriminating examination finding and the first action if the patient is unstable.

Red flags and escalation

Pain during examination
Unstable patient
Need for chaperone
Failure to preserve dignity
Unsafe maneuver
Missing immediate escalation

Station rehearsal template

Read the task and identify the required output.
Open professionally and establish the agenda.
Gather focused positive and negative findings.
Summarize and prioritize the differential.
State investigations and management in a safe sequence.
Address the patient’s concerns and understanding.
Close with disposition, follow-up and safety-netting.

Suggested complete 11-minute stations

Complete focused cardiovascular examination + oral presentation11 minutes