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Physical Exam
During a physical exam, a health professional looks at, listens to, and touches or gently presses on (palpates) the body. This exam helps the health professional determine the cause of symptoms, what other conditions may be present, and what medical tests may be needed. During a physical exam, the health professional may:
- Take the person's temperature.
- Listen to the heart and lungs.
- Examine the eyes with an ophthalmoscope.
- Examine the ears with an otoscope.
- Touch or gently press on (palpate) the neck, underarms, abdomen, and groin.
- Look at the skin.
- Check the person's balance and coordination.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: August 31, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
