Before touching the patient, it is important and good practice to stand back and spend some time in performing a thorough general examination of the patient. Unfortunately, students often rush into touching the patient, hence often neglecting crucial signs which may lead to the diagnosis. An approach to the general examination of a patient presenting…
Positioning For general examination, examining the cortical function and upper limbs, the optimal position would be to sit the patient upright at an approximate 45-60º angle to the bed (Figure 1). Of course, if the patient is ambulatory, the patient can also be examined whilst sitting comfortably on a chair (Figure 2). The optimal position…
Dr Gilberto Leung and Dr Gary Lau Subtitles in English for this video can be displayed by clicking on (first button on the bottom right hand corner of the video). Our level of consciousness is governed by our cerebral cortex as well as the subcortical ascending reticular formation. Patients with normal consciousness have a high level…
Subtitles in English for this video can be displayed by clicking on (first button on the bottom right hand corner of the video). Inspection of the Upper Limbs After adequate exposure, one should then lay the patient’s arms out comfortably. The examiner should stand at the end of the bed / facing the patient if the patient is…
Subtitles in English for this video can be displayed by clicking on (first button on the bottom right hand corner of the video). Inspection of the Lower Limbs After positioning the patient on the bed and ensuring adequate exposure, the lower limbs should be inspected as follow: The examiner should stand at the end of the bed and…