2. 2
Physical Examination
1. Describe the components of the patient’s medical history and how to
collect the history information.
2. understanding and communicating with patients:
• communicate with patients and display sensitivity to
diverse populations.
• Demonstrate therapeutic communication
• Obtain and document patient information.
• Respond to nonverbal communication
• Compare open-ended and close-ended questions.
3. 3
Physical Examination
3. Do the following related to the patient interview:
• Identify barriers to communication and their impact on the
patient assessment.
• Detect a patient’s use of defense mechanisms and the
resultant barriers to therapeutic communication.
• Demonstrate professional patient interviewing techniques.
4. Discuss the use of therapeutic communication techniques with patients
across the life span.
5. Compare and contrast signs and symptoms.
4. 4
Physical Examination
6. the physical examination:
• Outline the medical assistant’s role in preparing for the
physical examination.
• Summarize the instruments and equipment the provider
typically uses during a physical examination.
7. Identify the principles of body mechanics and demonstrate proper body
mechanics.
8. Outline the basic principles of gowning, positioning, and draping a
patient for examination.
5. 5
10. Describe the methods of examination and give an example of each one.
11. Outline the sequence of a routine physical examination. Also, prepare
for and assist in the physical examination of a patient, correctly
completing each step of the procedure in the proper sequence.
6. 6
We must communicate effectively with patient and
provide a warm, caring environment
Medical care is extremely personal; remember that
each patient is an individual with certain anxieties
Understanding and
Communicating with Patients
7. 7
Sensitivity to Diverse
Patient Groups
Respect the individuality of patient and attempt
to see person’s health problem through his or
her eyes
Examine your own values, beliefs, and actions
to develop empathetic sensitivity to others
8. 8
Patients of Asian backgrounds may have
been raised in a culture that considers it
extremely rude to establish eye contact
Personal space may be an issue for patients
from diverse backgrounds
Older people face unique communications
problems in the healthcare environment
Patients may use religious beliefs and values
to understand and cope with health problems
Treating Diverse Patients
9. 9
To be sure patients understand
what you explain, have them
explain it back to you
Therapeutic Techniques
11. 11
Includes gestures, facial expressions, and
mannerisms
Be aware of the cues your body language
sends to patient
Get feedback from patient to ensure you are
understood
Observe patient’s nonverbal communication
cues
Nonverbal Communication
15. Sensitivity to Diverse Patient
Groups
Diversity could be based on race, age, culture, religion,
or physical qualities
Practice respectful patient care
Empathy: key to creating a caring, therapeutic
environment
Value systems begin as learned beliefs and behaviors
Personal biases or prejudices are huge barriers to
development of therapeutic relationships
15
17. 17
Lean toward the patient to show interest
Face patient squarely and at eye level
Eye contact is essential
A closed posture (crossed arms or legs) may
indicate disinterest
Be sensitive to the patient’s personal space
Be careful with body gestures such as hand
and arm movements
Tone of voice should reflect interest in patient
Observe patient’s body language
Nonverbal Language Behaviors
18. Understanding and
Communicating with
Patients
To provide high-quality patient care, we must
communicate effectively
Healthcare professionals accept the responsibility of
developing relationships with patients
Be aware of self-boundaries
Keep focus on the patient
18
19. 19
Ask for general information or to state topic to
be discussed in general terms
Used to begin interview or introduce a new
section of questions
Effective method of gathering details from
patient
Open-Ended Questions or
Statements
20. 20
Ask for specific information
Limits the answer to one or two words (usually yes
or no)
Use these when you need confirmation of specific
facts
Closed Questions
21. 21
First and most important part of data
collection
Three stages:
Initiation or introduction
Body
Closing
Interviewing the Patient
24. Collecting the History
Information
Documentation should include:
Purpose of patient’s visit, written as chief complaint (CC)
Patient’s vital signs (VS)
Height and weight
Pain; documented using a scale of 1 to 10
24
25. Assessing Pain
Where is the pain located? Is it associated with any
particular movement?
Can you describe how it feels? Is it constant or
intermittent? Does anything relieve pain?
When was the onset of the pain? Did something cause
the pain to start?
Are you taking any medication to relieve the pain?
What is it and how often are you taking it? Is it
effective? When was your last dose?
Does pain affect your daily activities?
On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest level of
pain, where would you rate your pain?
25
27. Components of the Medical
History
Database
Chief complaint (CC)
History of present illness (HPI)
Past history (PH) or past medical history (PMH)
Usual childhood diseases
Major illnesses
Surgeries
Allergies
Accidents
Immunization record
27
28. Therapeutic Techniques
Feedback is crucial
Message can be sent via:
Face-to-face communication
Telephone
Email
Letter
Must become effective communicator
Play vital role in collecting and documenting patient
information
28
29. Active Listening Techniques
Restatement
Paraphrasing patient’s statements
Reflection
Repeating main idea of conversation while also
identifying sender’s feelings
Clarification
Summarizes or simplifies the sender’s thoughts and
feelings; resolves any confusion
29
30. Nonverbal Communication
More than 90% of communication is nonverbal
Nonverbal actions:
Gestures
Facial expressions
Mannerisms
Observe nonverbal communication to become aware
of message being conveyed
30
31. Nonverbal Language
Behaviors
Lean toward patient to show interest
Face patient squarely and at eye level
Eye contact
Be careful with body gestures
Watch your tone of voice
Continually observe patient’s body language
Documenting in an EHR can be distracting
31
32. Open-Ended Questions
or Statements
Asks for general information or states topic to be
discussed
Effective method of gathering more details from
patient about chief complaint or health history
Used:
To begin an interview
To introduce a new section of questions
Whenever person introduces a new topic
32
33. Closed Questions
Direct, or closed, questions
Limits the answers to one or two words
Use closed questions when you need confirmation of
specific facts
33
34. Interviewing the Patient
Interview skills help to collect necessary information
and build rapport with patient
Consider the interview a type of contract between you
and patient
Three stages of patient interview:
Initiation or introduction
Body
Closing
34
36. Therapeutic Communication
Techniques
Open-ended questions and statements
Direct or closed questions
Active listening
Silence
Establishing guidelines
Acknowledgment
Restating
Reflecting
Summarizing
36
37. Interview Barriers
Providing unwarranted assurance
Giving advice
Using medical terminology
Leading questions
Talking too much
Defense mechanisms
37
39. Communication Across the
Life Span
Interact appropriately with the age and developmental level of
patient
Children
Make sure environment is safe/attractive
Don’t offer a choice unless they can truly make one
Praise the child; reduce anxiety
Older children
Privacy
Adults
Patient education
39
40. Assessing the Patient
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms: Subjective findings
Cardinal symptoms: symptoms of greatest significance
Signs: Objective findings
Can be observed or measured by provider or medical
assistant
40
41. Documentation Guidelines
Check name on record; confirm identity
Month, day, and year must precede entry
All unusual complaints, symptoms, or reactions must
be noted in detail
Describe objective data
If patient reports pain, record quality and intensity of
pain using a pain scale of 1-10
Document complete medication history
Record details about previous history
Learn to be observant
41
42. Physical Examination
The medical assistant’s roles include:
Preparing the examination room
Assisting the patient
Assisting the provider
42
43. Preparing the Examination
Room
Stock with all equipment and supplies
Check expiration dates, and discard expired materials
Ensure the room is private, well lit, and a good
temperature
Clean and disinfect room between patients to avoid
infection
Be sure drapes, sheets, and gowns are ready to use
Arrange equipment for easy access
Observe Standard Precautions
43
44. Assisting the Patient
Ensure medical record is complete and consent forms
are signed
Introduce yourself and address patient by preferred
name
Verify accuracy of insurance information by office
policy
Obtain any preordered specimens
Measure height, body mass index, and vital signs
44
45. Assisting the Provider
Hand out equipment and supplies as needed
Alter position of lamp and turn lights on/off as needed
Position the drape during phases of the examination
Collect and properly label all specimens
Perform follow-up diagnostic procedures as needed
45
46. Supplies and Instruments
Needed for Examination
Gauze
Antiseptic wipe
Specimen collection system
Lubricant
Tape measure
Clean nonsterile gloves
Fecal occult blood testing supplies
Percussion hammer
Tuning forks
***you will be setting up for a physical exam
46
47. Supplies and Instruments
Needed for Examination
Ophthalmoscope
For inspection of inner eye structures
Tongue depressor
Holds tongue down during throat examination
Otoscope
For examination of the external auditory canal and
tympanic membrane
47
48. Principles of Body Mechanics
Used consistently in work environment
Proper alignment begins with good posture
When reaching for object:
Don’t twist or turn
Turn feet toward object
Don’t sit with legs crossed
48
49. Transferring a Patient
Focus on correct body mechanics
Provide support on the patient’s strong side
Keep one hand under the axillary region and one on
forearm
Always bend at the knees
Ensure the patient is safely positioned
49
50. Draping the Patient
Drape the patient to protect privacy and keep the
patient warm
Position the sheet so that it allows complete visibility
for examiner to conduct examination
Expose one portion of body at a time during
examination
50
51. Positioning the Patient
Fowler position
Semi-Fowler position
Supine (horizontal recumbent) position
Dorsal recumbent position
Lithotomy position
Sims position
51
52. Positioning the Patient
Prone position
Face down on ventral surface of the body
Knee-chest position
Difficult to maintain
Rarely used in ambulatory care setting
52
53. Trendelenburg Position
Rarely used in ambulatory setting
Can be achieved only if examination table separates so
that legs can be elevated higher than the head
53
54. Methods of Examination
Inspection
Palpation
Percussion
Auscultation
Mensuration
Manipulation
***very important to know
54
55. Examination Sequence
General appearance
Disorientation, gait, posture, nourishment
Speech
Could reveal pathologic condition
Skin
Note fingernails and toenails
Head
How patient handles stress and illness
Eyes and ears
PERRLA
55
56. Examination Sequence
Nose and sinuses
Mucosa examined for color/texture
Mouth and throat
Oral hygiene and dental care
Neck
Examined for range of motion (ROM)
Chest
Examine heart, chest, lungs
Abdomen
Relaxation of abdominal muscles
Reflexes
Checked in sitting, Fowler, and supine positions
56
57. Examination Sequence
Breasts and testicles
Examined visually and by palpation
Testicular examination
Rectum
Maintain comfort and dignity
Examination gloves and lubricating jelly needed
57
58. The Role of the Medical
Assistant
Aid provider in examination of patient by preparing
patient and necessary equipment
Ensure patient’s safety and comfort during
examination
58
59. Patient Coaching
Consider the following:
What information the patient needs to know
How to convey the information so that the patient
understands it
How the patient will use the information
Whether any community resources are available that
might help
Whether the patient understands and will learn more
about health problems or treatment protocols
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60. Legal and Ethical Issues
HIPAA applications
Guard patient confidentiality during all parts of a visit
If paper records are used, place medical records facing
the door
If EHRs are used, safeguard patient information by
closing patient files and locking computers when you are
out of the room
Place physician’s schedule away from patient areas
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61. Patient-Centered Care
Effective communication includes used of all
therapeutic tools
Watch for nonverbal behaviors to verify congruence
between what patient states and demonstrates via
body language
Modify communication methods as needed
Use restatement, reflection, and clarification
Use electronic communication appropriately and
effectively
61