Talk:Physical examination

Direction of article; perhaps related articles?

How do you see this article developing? For example, one direction is the art and science of physical diagnosis. Another is the role of periodic physical examination in health maintenance. Another is the classic balance of history vs. physical ("Treat the patient, not the chart, Doctor. The chart isn't sick.") and which should be done first, and now the balance of H&P vs. diagnostic tests (i.e., is this pathology or a Victim Of Modern Imaging Technology?)

Howard C. Berkowitz 18:15, 18 May 2008 (CDT)

O/E, O/I, O/P, O/A

I'd like to see the terms 'On Examination', 'On Inspection', 'On Palpation', 'On Percussion' and 'On Auscultation' here.—Ramanand Jhingade 03:38, 16 October 2008 (UTC)

Seriously, why? This is an encyclopedia, not a dictionary of abbreviations.

Next, they are not customary in the medical literature. If rales or ejection murmurs are noted in the record of examination, it is assumed the reader knows that these are from auscultation. If there were electronic assistance, that would be noted.

One may write that the inferior edge of the liver is palpable, but the custom is to write the finding; the means of examination is assumed from context. In like manner, a maculopapular rash or a Romberg sign is inherently observed. Howard C. Berkowitz 03:50, 16 October 2008 (UTC)