Physical examination Flashcards
What is physiology?
The branch of biology that deals with the normal functions of living organisms and their parts
Why is understanding normal physiology important?
To recognize and understand abnormal physiological conditions
What are the main methods used to assess physiological changes?
Physical examination, listening, palpation, smelling, and measuring temperature
What physical signs are examined during a physical assessment?
Discharge, coat color changes, mucous membrane color, lesions, lumps, swelling, and symmetry
What does palpation assess?
Pain, tense muscles, swellings (especially lymph nodes), joint laxity, stiffness, specific responses, pulses, and fluid/gas accumulation
What is the normal method for measuring body temperature?
Rectally using a thermometer
What part of the brain regulates body temperature?
The hypothalamus
What is hyperthermia?
Body temperature above the normal range
What is hypothermia?
Body temperature below the normal range
What is pyrexia?
A fever or febrile response, a regulated hyperthermia due to an inflammatory response
What are some causes of hyperthermia?
Heat stroke, respiratory obstruction, excessive muscular activity (e.g., seizures), and pharmacological factors
What are some causes of pyrexia (fever)?
Infections, inflammatory disease, neoplastic disease, tissue trauma, and immune-mediated conditions
What are some causes of hypothermia?
Cold exposure, poor peripheral circulation (e.g., anesthesia, dehydration, blood loss), newborn animals, and reduced rumen activity in ruminants
What are the different mucous membrane colors and their meanings?
- Pink: Good circulation and oxygenation.
- Pale: Shock, anemia, or poor circulation.
- Blue (cyanosis): Inadequate oxygenation.
- Dark red (congested): Cardiac insufficiency or restricted blood flow.
- Yellow: Jaundice (liver disease, hemolysis).
- Pinpoint hemorrhages: Clotting disorder.
- Dark red ring (toxic ring): Toxemia.
- Dry/tacky: Dehydration.
What is the normal capillary refill time (CRT)?
Less than 2 seconds
What does a prolonged capillary refill time indicate?
Poor peripheral circulation
What is auscultation?
Listening with a stethoscope to assess the heart, lungs, alimentary tract, and skeletal system.
What are the normal heart sounds in small animals?
“Lub-Dup” (S1 and S2)
What is S1 in heart sounds?
The closure of atrioventricular valves (tricuspid and bicuspid valves), the loudest normal heart sound
What is S2 in heart sounds?
The closure of pulmonic and aortic valves
What are S3 and S4 heart sounds?
Sounds related to ventricular filling, normal in large animals but abnormal in small animals
What is tachycardia?
A fast heart rate
What is bradycardia?
A slow heart rate
What is arrhythmia?
An irregular heart rate
