A complete physical assessment typically involves several components:
Health History: Gathering comprehensive information about the patient's past medical history, family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms. Inspection: Observing the patient’s overall appearance, skin condition, and body structure. Palpation: Using the hands to feel body parts to assess texture, temperature, moisture, and any abnormalities. Percussion: Tapping on body surfaces to determine the underlying structure and presence of fluids. Auscultation: Listening to internal body sounds, such as heart, lung, and bowel sounds, using a stethoscope.
