Non User
Index: > A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z	Business Non User Industries Finance Tax

Home > Physical examination

Although doctors have varying approaches, a systematic examination starts at the head and finishes at the extremities . After the main organ systems have been investigated, specific tests may follow (such as a neurological investigation, orthopedics) or specific tests when a particular disease is suspected (e.g. eliciting Trousseau's sign in hypocalcemia).

With the clues obtained during the history and physical examination the doctor can now formulate a differential diagnosis, a list of potential causes of the symptoms. When this has happened, specific testing (or occasionally empirical therapy) generally confirms the cause, or sheds light on other, overlooked, causes.

According to recent research, a systematic physical examination at regular intervals during hospital admission can change the ultimate diagnosis in >10% of all cases.

Related topics

• Heart sounds

Politics	Business	Finance

Topics: Physical Examination Tests Specific Diagnosis Disease History...

---

Physical quantityA physical quantity is the result of measurement and usually expressed as the product of a numerical value and a physical unit (whereby SI units are usually preferred). Example : P 42. 3 x 103 W 42. 3 kW where P represents the physical quantity for power Physical constantIn science, a physical constant is a physical quantity whose numerical value does not change. It can be contrasted with a mathematical constant, which is a fixed value that does not directly involve a physical measurement. There are many physical constant PhysicalismSee also the old text of this article Physicalism/Larry's text. Physicalism is the metaphysical position that everything is physical; that is, that there are no kinds of things other than physical things. Likewise, physicalism about the mental is a positi Physical eventPhysical events are events that occur in the physical world, including the brain and other parts of the human body. Something that happens in the brain is a physical event. These are to be distinguished from mental events. A comment : an event is an act o Physical chemistryPhysical chemistry is the study of the physical basis of chemical systems and processes. Modern physical chemistry is firmly grounded upon physics. Important areas of study include chemical thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, quantum chemistry, statistical Physical sciencePhysical science is the branch of science including chemistry and physics, and sometimes contrasted with natural or biological science. Physical science includes the sub-branches of aerodynamics, astronomy and astrophysics, classical mechanics, civil engi Physical therapy Physical anthropology Physical unit Physical law Physical space Physical modelling synthesis Physical capital Physical phenomenon Physical Graffiti