The four stages of medical examination are key in patient assessment.
They help doctors gather accurate clinical information.
These steps are used in physical exams across specialties.
Each stage builds on the one before it.
Together, they form a complete picture of a patient’s health.
Inspection: The first step
This stage involves looking at the patient’s body.
Doctors check for visible signs like swelling, rashes, or discoloration.
They observe posture, movement, and overall appearance.
For example, yellow skin may suggest liver issues.
Abnormal breathing patterns can point to lung problems.
Inspection requires good lighting and attention to detail.
It sets the foundation for the next steps.
Palpation: Using touch
In this stage, the doctor feels the body with their hands.
They check for tenderness, lumps, organ size, or fluid buildup.
Palpation helps assess structures under the skin.
For instance, pressing the abdomen checks for pain or masses.
Temperature, texture, and symmetry are noted.
Always warm your hands before palpating.
Use light and deep pressure as needed.
Be gentle to avoid causing pain.
Percussion: Listening to sounds
This stage uses tapping to produce sounds from body parts.
The doctor taps fingers over organs to detect density.
Air, fluid, and solid tissue make different sounds.
A hollow sound means air is present, like in lungs.
A dull sound suggests fluid or solid mass.
Percussion helps find pneumonia, pleural effusion, or enlarged organs.
It is quick and non-invasive.
Auscultation: Listening with a stethoscope
Doctors use a stethoscope to hear internal body sounds.
They listen to heart, lung, and bowel sounds.
Abnormal sounds include wheezing, murmurs, or absent bowel noise.
This stage confirms or rules out possible diagnoses.
Always ensure the room is quiet and the patient is relaxed.
The four stages of medical examination guide every physical checkup. fail a medical test is not the focus here. Understanding these steps improves clinical skills. four stages of medical examination are essential for all healthcare learners.