Signs/Common Physical Exam Findings

Question 1

Adenopathy

Answer 1

Any disease or enlargement involving glandular tissue. One involving lymph nodes.

Question 2

Arcus Senilis

Answer 2

A white, gray or blue opaque ring in the corneal margin (peripheral conceal opacity). Also characterize with white ring in front of the periphery of the iris.

Question 3

Ascites

Answer 3

Abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the spaces between tissues and organs in the cavity of the abdomen.

Question 4

Ataxia

Answer 4

An inability to coordinate voluntary muscular movements that is symptomatic of some central nervous system disorders and injuries and not due to muscle weakness. Also known as incoordination.

Question 5

Babinski Reflex

Answer 5

A reflex movement in which, when the sole is tickled the big toe turns upward instead of downward, which is normal in infancy but indicates damage to the central nervous system (as in the pyramidal tracts) later in life. Also called the Babinski sign.

Question 6

Battle’s Sign

Answer 6

A discoloration behind the ear in the line of the posterior auricular artery often associated with a basilar skull fracture.

Question 7

Brudzinski’s Sign

Answer 7

the appearance of involuntary lifting of the legs when lifting a patient’s head off the examining couch, with the patient lying supine.

Question 8

Cachectic

Answer 8

Having the appearance of chachexia or indicative of a loss of weight, muscle atrophy, fatigue, weakness, and significant loss of appetite in someone who is not actively trying to lose weight. Typically seen in patients with HIV, AIDS, Cancer, COPD, or any degenerative or wasting disease.

Question 9

Costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness

Answer 9

One of two angles that outline as space over the kidneys. The angle is formed by the lateral and downward curve of the lowest rib and the vertical column of the spine itself. CVA tenderness to percussion is a common finding in pyelonephritis and other infections of the kidney and adjacent structures.

Question 10

Crepitus

Answer 10

Term to describe the grating, cracking or popping sounds and sensations experienced under the skin and joints or a crackling sensation due to the presence of air in the subcutaneous tissue.

Question 11

Cyanosis

Answer 11

The appearance of a blue or purple coloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to the tissues near the skin surface being low on oxygen.

Question 12

Decubitus

Answer 12

An ulceration of tissue deprived of adequate blood supply by prolonged pressure. Also called decubitus ulcer or pressure sore.

Question 13

Diaphoresis

Answer 13

Perspiration (sweating), especially profuse perspiration.

Question 14

Distension

Answer 14

Generally refers to an enlargement or ballooning effect.

Question 15

Deep Tendon Reflexes (DTR)

Answer 15

To test the reflex, the Physician will tap on the tendon. In a healthy individual the intensity on both sides is equal. This means that the connections between the spinal cord and the muscles are undamaged.

Question 16

Ecchymosis

Answer 16

Bluish discoloration of an area of skin or mucous membrane caused by the extravasation of blood in to the subcutaneous tissue as a result of trauma to the underlying blood vessels or fragility of the vessel walls.

Question 17

Edema

Answer 17

An abnormal infiltration and excess accumulation of serous fluid in connective tissue or in a serous cavity.

Question 18

Eczematous Rash

Answer 18

A dry, scaly, and itchy skin rash usually indicative of autoimmune skin disorders.

Question 19

Erythema

Answer 19

Skin condition characterized by redness or rash.

Question 20

Exudate

Answer 20

Fluid, such as pus or clear fluid, which leaks out of blood vessels into nearby tissues. The fluid is made of cells, proteins and solid materials. Exudates may ooze from cuts or from areas of infection or inflammation.

Question 21

Facial Palsy

Answer 21

Paralysis of the face as often seen in CVA, or with a condition known as Bell’s Palsy.

Question 22

Fluid Wave

Answer 22

Physical Exam technique used to detect ascites whereby the physician taps the side of the abdomen and feels pressure on the opposite side of the abdomen from the movement of fluid.

Question 23

Gallop

Answer 23

Abnormal extra heart sound heard on auscultation, resembling the sound of a galloping horse. Sounds S3 and S4.

Question 24

Glasgow Coma Score (GSC)

Answer 24

A neurological scale used to determine the level of consciousness of a patient.

Question 25

Guarding

Answer 25

Tension of the abdominal wall muscles to guard inflamed organs within the abdomen from pain of pressure upon them. The tensing is detected when the abdominal wall is pressed.

Question 26

Hematoma

Answer 26

A mass of usually clotted blood that forms in a tissue, organ or body space as a result of a broken blood vessel.

Question 27

Homan’s Sign

Answer 27

Pain in the calf of the leg upon dorsiflexion of the foot with the leg extended that is diagnostic of thrombosis in the deep veins of the area.

Question 28

Hypopigmented

Answer 28

An area lighter in color than the surrounding skin.

Question 29

Induration

Answer 29

Hardening of a normally soft tissue or organ, especially the skin, due to inflammation, infiltration of a neoplasm, or accumulation of the blood..

Question 30

Jugular Venous Distension (JVD)

Answer 30

Distended jugular vein in neck.

Question 31

Kernig’s Sign

Answer 31

Symptom of meningitis. the patient cannot extend the leg at the knee when the thigh is flexed because of stiffness in the hamstrings.

Question 32

Malaise

Answer 32

An indefinite feeling of debility or lack of health often indicative of or accompanying the onset of an illness.

Question 33

Malocclusion

Answer 33

Abnormality in the coming together of teeth.

Question 34

Meningismus

Answer 34

A constellation of signs and symptoms (e.g. headache, neck stiffness) suggestive of meningitis.

Question 35

Mottled

Answer 35

An area of skin composed of macular lesions of varying shades of colors.

Question 36

Normocephalic

Answer 36

Having a normal size head.

Question 37

Nuchal Rigidity

Answer 37

Resistance of flexion of the neck, stiffness of the neck.

Question 38

Orthopnea

Answer 38

Difficulty in breathing occurs when lying down and is relieved upon changing to an upright position (as in congestive heart failure).

Question 39

Pallor

Answer 39

Deficiency of color especially of the face; pale.

Question 40

Paradoxical Movements

Answer 40

Also known as flail chest and is usually caused by trauma to the chest. If a person suffers from broken ribs and punctured lungs, the air movement is reversed. Instead of chest expansion on inhalation, you will notice the skin being sucked in.

Question 41

PERRL(A)

Answer 41

Signifies that the pupils are equal, round, react to light, and accommodation. While performing an assessment of the eyes, one evaluate’s the size and shape of the pupils, the reaction to light, and their ability to accommodate. If all findings are normal, the abbreviation is noted in the account of the physical examination.

Question 42

Peritoneal signs

Answer 42

Rebound tenderness in guarding, which indicate peritonitis, Inflammation of the abdominal cavity.

Question 43

Petechiae

Answer 43

Pin point, brown spots that appear on the skin as a result of bleeding under the skin. The bleeding causes the petechiae to appear red, Brown or purple.

Question 44

Pronator drift

Answer 44

Involuntarily turn in the form in words on exam when arms outstretched in front. Common use in evaluating possible CVA patience.

Question 45

Purulence

Answer 45

Pus, or the condition of containing or discharging pus.

Question 46

Raccoon Eyes

Answer 46

A descriptive term for bilateral periorbital accumulations of blood or other substances. Also known as “periorbital ecchymosis.”

Question 47

Rales

Answer 47

A type of abnormal respiratory or breath sounds heard on auscultation. Also know as “crackles.”

Question 48

Rebound

Answer 48

A sensation of pain felt when pressure (as to the abdomen) is suddenly removed.

Question 49

Retractions

Answer 49

Visible sinking of the chest wall upon inspiration.

Question 50

Rhonchi

Answer 50

A whistling or snoring sounds heard on auscultation of the chest when air channels are partially obstructed.

Question 51

Scaphoid Abdomen

Answer 51

An abdomen that dips in towards the patient when lying supine. the opposite of a distended abdomen.

Question 52

Scleral Icterus

Answer 52

Physical exam findings that indicates yellowing of the sclera, which is typical of liver disease, especially hepatitis.

Question 53

Stenosis

Answer 53

A narrowing or constriction of the diameter of a bodily passage or orifice.

Question 54

Straight Leg Raise (SLR) Test

Answer 54

If and when affected leg is raised, pain is worsened and extends down the back of the leg below the knee. This indicates the test is positive (abnormal). It means that one or more of the nerve roots leading to your sciatic nerve maybe compressed or irritated. If doing this test on the unaffected leg causes pain in the affected leg, it helps to confirm that one of the nerve roots is compressed or irritated.

Question 55

Stridor

Answer 55

An abnormal, high-pitched, musical breathing sound caused by a blockage in the throat or voice box (larynx). It is usually noted upon inspiration.

Question 56

Tenting

Answer 56

Skin that does not “snap back” towards the body immediately when pulled. Indicative of dehydration.

Question 57

Torsion

Answer 57

The abnormal twisting of a bodily organ on its own axis.

Question 58

Trismus

Answer 58

A prolonged tonic spasm of the muscles of the jaw.

Question 59

Turgor

Answer 59

The degree of elasticity of skin, sometimes referred to as skin turgor. The assessment of skin turgor is used clinically to determine the extent of dehydration, or fluid loss, in the body.