Physical examination

Information:

Definition:
The process of examining the patient's body to determine the presence or absence of physical problems. It includes inspection (looking), palpation (feeling), auscultation (listening), and percussion (producing sounds).


A sphygmomanometer is used to measure blood pressure, and is the most accurate method. Blood pressure is measured against the height of a column of mercury. This is the most accurate method because it can only be made inaccurate by changing the gravitational constant of the earth.