Physical Assessment & Lab

Catalog description

This course will provide the skills necessary for history taking and performance of a comprehensive physical examination. At the completion of this course, the student should be able to interview a patient, acquiring as much information as possible related to the patient’s illness. In addition, the student should be able to perform the cardinal principles of physical examination: inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation. The laboratory component of the course utilizes a classic systems-oriented approach which includes examination of the eyes, ears, nose, throat, neck, heart, lungs and abdomen. In addition to a written final examination, at the conclusion of the course, there will be a standardized patient (SP) assessment of the student’s clinical skills. Feedback from the SP will be given to the students. Prerequisite: Completion of Semesters I-II