Physical examination Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฉบ
physical examination
[หfษชzษชkษl ษชษกหzรฆmษชหneษชสษn ]
Definition
medical
A physical examination is a routine check-up by a doctor to assess a person's overall health. It typically involves measuring vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate, and examining the body for any abnormalities or signs of illness.
Synonyms
check-up, health check, medical check-up, physical check-up.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| physical examination |
Used in formal medical settings, often to describe a specific procedure where a doctor checks the body for signs of illness.
|
| check-up |
A general term used casually for regular visits to the doctor to monitor health.
|
| medical check-up |
Commonly used in a somewhat formal context, often emphasizing a thorough examination by a healthcare professional.
|
| health check |
Used when referring to various tests and assessments of a person's overall health, commonly in wellness programs.
|
| physical check-up |
Similar to 'physical examination', but slightly more casual, often used in everyday conversations about routine exams.
|
Examples of usage
- The doctor performed a thorough physical examination on the patient.
- During the physical examination, the doctor checked the patient's reflexes and listened to their heart and lungs.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The idea of examining the body for health dates back to ancient civilizations like Egypt and Greece, where doctors learned by feeling the pulse and observing the body.
- In the Middle Ages, physical exams became more structured with the establishment of hospitals, where doctors would assess patients systematically.
- The modern practice of thorough physical examinations evolved in the 19th century with advances in medical technology and knowledge, leading to techniques like percussion and auscultation.
Science
- A physical examination can include checking vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and temperature, which give important clues about a person's health.
- Doctors often use tools like stethoscopes to listen to the heart and lungs, helping them detect potential health issues.
- Physical exams are essential for preventing diseases, as detecting issues early can lead to more effective treatments.
Psychology
- Physical examinations can positively impact mental health by providing reassurance and reducing anxiety about health concerns.
- Regular check-ups help build a good relationship between patients and doctors, which can improve overall well-being.
- Medical professionals are trained to notice not just physical symptoms but also psychological signs during an examination.
Culture
- Different cultures have unique approaches to physical examinations, influenced by traditional medicine practices and beliefs around health.
- In many cultures, routine health check-ups are encouraged, while in others, they might be viewed with skepticism unless necessary.
- Telemedicine has changed the landscape, allowing for remote check-ups that combine traditional methods with modern technology, adapting to cultural shifts.
Literature
- Physical examinations are commonly referenced in literature, often symbolizing vulnerability and the quest for truth about oneself.
- In detective fiction, a character's physical condition can reveal clues about their mental state or backstory.
- Medical literature emphasizes the role of physical examinations in diagnosing medical conditions, inspiring discussions about the balance of art and science in medicine.
Origin of 'physical examination'
The concept of physical examination dates back to ancient Greece, where physicians such as Hippocrates emphasized the importance of observing and examining the body to diagnose and treat illness. Over the centuries, the practice of physical examination has evolved with advancements in medical knowledge and technology, becoming a standard part of modern healthcare.