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Primary Physical Examinaton CMA

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Auscultation   The act of listening to body sounds, typically with a stethoscope, to assess various organs throughout the body  
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Bruit   An abnormal sound or murmur heard on auscultation of an organ, vessel, or gland  
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Clubbing   Abnormal enlargement of the distal phalanges (fingers/toes) associated with cyanotic heart disease or advanced chronic pulmonary disease  
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Colonoscopy   A procedure in which a fiberoptic scope is used to examine the large intestine  
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Electrocardiogram   A graphic record of electrical conduction through the heart  
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Emphysema   The pathologic accumulation of air in the alveoli, which results in alveolar destruction and overall oxygen deprivation: In the lungs, the bronchioles becomes plugged with mucus and lose elasticity  
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Gait   The manner or style of walking  
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Hematopoiesis   The formation and development of blood cells in the red bone marrow  
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Intercellular   A term referring to the area between cells  
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Intracellular   A term referring to the area within the cell membrane  
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Manipulation   Movement or exercising of a body part by means of an externally applied force  
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Mastication   Chewing  
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Murmur   An abnormal sound heard during auscultation of the heart that may or may not have a pathologic origin; it is associated with valve disease or a congenital heart defect  
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Nodules   Small lumps, or lesions, or swellings that are felt when the skin is palpitated  
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Palpitation   The use of touch during physical examination to assess the size, consistency, and location of certain body parts  
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Peristalsis   The rhythmic contraction of involuntary muscles lining the gastrointestinal tract  
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Sclera   The white part of the eye that forms the orbit  
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Transillumination   Inspection of a cavity or organ by passing light through its walls  
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Trauma   Physical injury or a wound caused by an external force or violence  
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Vasoconstriction   contractions of the muscles lining blood vessels, which narrows the lumen  
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Anatomy   The study of how the body is shaped and structured  
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Physiology   Study of body functions  
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Cells   Basic unit of life  
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Tissues   Cells of similar structure and function that are placed together  
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Epithelial Tissue   makes up the skin, glands, and linings of body parts and organs  
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Squamous   flat  
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Cuboidal   square  
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Columnar   long/ narrow  
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Transitional   vary shapes that can stretch  
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Connective Tissue   support and binds other body tissues. Types include: collagen, bone, cartilage, adipose, ligaments, tendons, blood, and lymph.  
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Muscle Tissue   produces movement  
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Plasma Membrane   surrounds the cell and creates an outer covering  
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Intracellular Area   includes the cytoplasm that contains living material to carry out function  
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Nucleus   contains the genetic code of the cell that determines the cells function  
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Skeletal Muscle   (striated, voluntary) attached to bones, produces voluntary body movements when contracted  
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Cardiac Muscle   (striated, involuntary) forms the heart muscle wall  
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Smooth Muscle   (nonstriated, involuntary) lines the walls of blood vessels and hollow organs. Causes peristalsis and vasoconstriction.  
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Nervous Tissue   conducts nerve impulses between the periphery and central nervous system  
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Organs   composed of two or more types of tissue bound together to form a more complex structure for a common purpose or function  
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Systems   composed of several organs and their associated structures  
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Blood Cells, Organs, and Structures   arteries, arterioles, veins, venules, white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, plasma  
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Blood Functions   transport material/ collect waste throughout the body, white blood cells fight infection, red blood cells carry oxygen, platelets help form clots, plasma carries dissolved nutrients/ other materials  
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Cardiovascular Cells, Organs, and Structures   heart, valves, arteries, arterioles, veins, venules  
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Cardiovascular Functions   circulatory system transports materials in the blood throughout the body, veins return deoxygenated blood to the heart, which pumps it into the lungs, oxygenated blood is pumped into the aorta and branching arteries to cells in the body  
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Endocrine Cells, Organs, and Structures   pituitary, pineal gland, hypothalamus, thyroid, pancreas, adrenal cortex/medulla, parathyroid, thymus, ovaries, testes  
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Endocrine Functions   produces hormones that circulate in the blood to target tissue that stimulates a certain action  
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Integumentary Cells, Organs, and Structures   skin, subcutaneous tissue, sweat/sebaceous glands, hair, nails, sense receptors  
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Integumentary Functions   protection, temperature regulation, senses organ activity  
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Gastrointestinal Cells, Organs, and Structures   mouth, tongue, teeth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, appendix  
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Gastrointestinal Functions   mastication, swallowing, digestion, absorption of nutrients, excretion of waste materials  
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Lymphatic/Immune Cells, Organs, and Structures   lymph, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, thymus, tonsils, spleen, lymphocytes, antibodies  
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Lymphatic/Immune Functions   maintains fluid balance; protects internal environment; defends against foreign cells/disease; provides immunity to some diseases  
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Musculoskeletal Cells, Organs, and Structures   bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage  
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Musculoskeletal Functions   movement, posture, heat production, support protection, mineral storage, hematopoiesis  
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Nervous Cells, Organs. and Structures   brain, spinal cord, neurons, neuroglial cells, peripheral nerves, autonomic nerves  
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Nervous Functions   controls body structures to maintain homeostasis; higher-order thinking and reflex centers that control autonomic processes; carries sensory stimulus to the brain and motor impulse to the periphery  
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Reproductive Cells, Organs, and Structures   Female: estrogen/ progesterone, ovum, ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, vulva, mammary glands Male: testosterone, sperm, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate gland, testes, scrotum, penis, urethra  
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Reproductive Functions   produces hormones, reproduction  
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Respiratory Cells, Organ, and Structures   nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs, bronchioles, alveoli  
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Respiratory Functions   responsible for inhalation of oxygen/ exhalation of carbon dioxide externally and exchange of oxygen/carbon dioxide internally at the cellular level; acid-base regulation  
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Sensory Cells, Organs, and Structures   eyes, ears, taste buds, olfactory receptors, sensory receptors  
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Sensory Functions   helps sense changes in the external/internal environments through vision, hearing, balance, taste, smell  
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Urinary Cells, Organs, and Structures   nephron unit, bilateral kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra  
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Urinary Functions   filters waste material from blood; reabsorbs fluid/electrolytes as needed; excretes waste in urine; maintains electrolyte, water, and acid-base balances; regulates blood pressure; activates red blood cells  
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Primary Care Physician (PCP)   treat patients of all ages for a broad ranges of diseases and complaints. qualified to provide care from birth to old age.  
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Physical Examination   determines the patients overall state of well-being. all major organs and body systems are checked during this time  
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Preparing for Physical Examination   make sure patient feels comfortable. verify insurance information and necessary medical information (current medications, allergies, etc.)  
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Room Preparation   the exam room should be checked periodically to ensure it is fully stocked and equipment is functioning. MA must be aware of how to operate all equipment beforehand. exp. dates must be checked. private, well lit, comfy temp. clean & disinfected  
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Patient Preperation   medical record complete. consent forms signed. introduce yourself. use pt preferred name. respect. watch nonverbal cues. verify insurance accuracy. obtain specimens. take vitals. investigate. help prepare. questions. positions. privacy. document. assist.  
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Assisting The Physician   hand instruments on request. alter lamp. position drape. collect and label specimens. conduct follow up. schedule post exam diagnostic procedures  
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Ophthalmascope   used to inspect the inner structures of the eye  
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Tongue Depressor   a flat, wooden blade used to hold down the tongue during a throat exam  
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Otoscope   used to examine the external auditory canal/tympanic membrane  
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Nasal Speculum   used to examine the lining of the nose, nasal membranes, and internal septum  
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Tuning Fork   used to check the patients auditory acuity and to test bone vibration  
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Tape Measure   measuring device, typically used to assess length/head circumference of infants or wound size  
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Stethoscope   used during auscultation to hear internal body sounds  
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Reflex Hammer   used to strike the tendons of the knee and elbow to test nuerologic reflexes  
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Gloves   used whenever the potential exists for contact with body fluid or contaminated items exist  
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Additional Supplies   gauze, cotton balls, cotton tipped applicators, specimen containers, hemocult packets, pap smear supplies, lubricating jelly, and laboratory request forms must be readily accessible during the examination  
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Inspection   ranges from focusing on patients general appearance (posture, mannerisms, grooming), to more detailed observations such as body contour, gait, symmetry, visible injuries, deformities, tremors, rashes, and color changes  
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Palpation   uses sense of touch. perceptions include: temperature, vibration, consistency, form, elasticity, moisture, texture, position, and contour. performed with one hand, both hands (bimanual), one finger (digital) fingertips, or the palmar aspect of the hand  
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Percussion   involves tapping or striking the body to elicit sounds/vibrations. can determine the position, size, and density of organs/cavities.  
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Auscultation   the physician uses a stethoscope to listen to sounds that originate within the body. mostly used for sounds originating in the lungs, heart, and abdomen  
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Mensuration   the process of measuring. measurements that are recorded: height/weight, length/diameter of an extremity, size of the uterus (pregnancy), size/depth of a wound, and the pressure of the grip. this is usually recorded in centimeters  
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Manipulation   the passive movement of a joint to determine the range of extension or flexion of a part of the body. may be performed using the range-of-motion (ROM) exercises  
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Positioning/Draping the Patient for the Physical Examination   the medical assistant is responsible for instructing and assisting the patient into various positions for the exam. do not place the patient in an uncomfortable position or a privacy compromising position. dont leave if patient is in a dangerous position  
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Fowlers Position   the patient sits on the exam table with the head of the table elevated to 90 degrees, or he/she sits on the edge. this position is useful for exams of the head, neck, and chest as well as for patients with orthopnea. drape placement varies  
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Semi-Fowlers Position   head of table is positioned at a 45 degree angle. useful for postoperative exams, patients with breathing disorders, patients with elevated temperature, those suffering from head trauma. the drape should cover the entire patient from the nipple line down  
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Direct Percussion   performed by striking the body with a finger  
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Indirect Percussion   requires the physician to place his/her hand on the patient and strike the placed hand. this allows the physician to hear and feel the vibration. pitch, quality, duration and resonance are measured  
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Supine (Horizontal Recumbent) Position   lying horizontally with the face and torso facing up  
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Dorsal Recumbent Position   individual (usually a patient) lies on their back with their knees bent up in an outward position while their feet are planted flat on the ground, a bed, table or resting platform allowing the pelvic area to be easily examined and observed.  
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Lithotomy Position   a supine position of the body with the legs separated, flexed, and supported in raised stirrups, originally used for lithotomy and later also for childbirth.  
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Sims Position   usually used for rectal examination, treatments and enemas. It is performed by having a patient lie on their left side, left hip and lower extremity straight, and right hip and knee bent. It is also called lateral recumbent position.  
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Prone Position   a body position in which one lies flat with the chest down and the back up. In anatomical terms of location, the dorsal side is up, and the ventral side is down. The supine position is the 180° contrast.  
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Knee-Chest Position   individual rests on the knees and upper part of the chest, assumed for gynecologic or rectal examination.  
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Tredelenburgs Position   the body is laid supine, or flat on the back with the feet higher than the head by 15-30 degrees.  
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Principles of Body Mechanics   used when sitting, standing, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or transferring patients. starts at good posture. keeps spine balanced and aligned. avoid twisting when reaching. do not cross legs. head erect, face forward, chin up, shoulders relaxed.  
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Transferring a Patient   body mechanics. wheelchair pt, chair close to table, wheels locked, foot rests lifted. support pt strong side. stepstool. pt close to your side. bend at knees. signal and lift. help step up with strong leg. shoulder or waist never neck.  
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Safe Lifting Techniques   get help if heavy. maintain alignment. do not reach. bend at knees. keep weight close to body. keep back straight. slide, roll, push heavy item if possible  
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Examination Sequence   if pt is female and physician is male, female ma must be present. keep convo to minimum. exam begins at fowlers position  
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Presenting Appearance (General Appearance)   whether patient shows good health (disoriented, in distress, well nourished, answers questions with ease or confusion). the gait is body movements are monitored for unusual muscle action. posture is checked for pain, stiffness, or limb movement difficulty  
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Nutrition and Stature   the body build and proportion is noted. any gross (immediately obvious) deformities are recorded. height/weight is recorded before the exam  
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Speech   may reveal a pathogical condition  
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Breathe Odors   often associated with poor oral hygiene/dental care. a musty odor is associated with liver disease. an ammonia smell may be caused by uremia. acidosis/smell of acetone may be the result of diabetes mellitus, starvation, or renal disease  
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Skin   skin turgor for dehydration. dryness, scaling, lengthy healing, frequent skin breaks for systemic disease. brittle, grooved, or lined nails for local infection or systemic disease. clubbing for heart lung disease. spooning for iron deficient.  
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Head   face reflects how pt deals with stress. skull, scalp, and face palpated for size, shape, and symmetry. distribution/lack of hair indicate hormonal changes. excessive hair (facial hair in girls) for hormonal imbalance. signs of trauma and nodules  
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Eyes   pupils checked for light reaction. sclera checked for color. inflammation apparent in sclera. yellow sclera indicate liver disease. movement tested. diabetes damage blood vessels of eye. ophthalmoscope used to examine eye  
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Ears   examined with otoscope. external ear checked first. eardrum is pearly gray. scars usually from ear infections. may indicate blood or pus in middle ear. swallowing allows movement observation. movement from pressure change. equalizes air pressure  
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Nose/Sinuses   mucosa examined for color/texture. can not see sinuses, frontal/maxillary examined by palpitation and transillumination. if in need of specialist, pt referred to ophthalmologist or otorhinolaryngologist.  
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Mouth/Throat   oral hygiene and dental care. includes condition of teeth, how pt cares for teeth/gums, whether upper/lower jaws meet ok for chewing. healthy=pale pink, glossy, smooth, do not bleed with pressure. palatine tonsils visible. cheeks checked for marks/color  
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Neck   ROM. thyroid gland for symmetry, size, texture. check thyroid through palpitation and swallowing. carotid artery palpitated. lymph nodes palpitated. lymphadenopathy=infection in face, head, neck.  
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Reflexes   biceps checked while pt sitting. knee jerk(patellar), ankle jerk(Achilles) checked using tapotement (tapping) with fingers or hammer. plantar reflexes (Babinski and chaddock) tested while pt is supine or upright.  
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Chest   sitting. exam for symmetric expansion. emphysema cause barrel shaped chest. percussion used to determine density of lung . stethoscope to auscultate lung sounds. abnormalities cause for further tests.  
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Abdomen   arms may be at side, across chest, or under head. relaxation necessary. dorsal recumbent position. auscultates abdomen in all quadrants to hear bowel sounds. palpates for abnormalities. percussion used for density, position, and size of organs.  
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Breast/Testicles   breasts are examined symptomatic or not. examined visually and palpated in supine and high fowler. breast cancer most common in women. males at 15 will receive testicular exam.  
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Rectum   exam gloves and lubricating jelly is used. exam light should be directed at perineal area. hemmocult specimens may be collected at time of digital exam  
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Legal and Ethical Issues   MA must uphold the standards of the code of ethics of the American association of medical assistants (AAMA)  
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HIPAA Applications   conversations can be overheard. guard confidentiality by ensuring privacy glass is closed, turn away from waiting room while on phone. physician schedule faced away from pt areas. medical records face door of exam room. EMR use, close files, lock computer  
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Aphonia   inability to speak due to loss of the voice (commonly seen with overuse or laryngitis)  
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Aphasia   loss of expression by speech/ writing due to an injury/disease of the brain  
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Dysphasia   lack of coordination; failure to arrange words in proper order (usually caused by brain lesions)  
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Motor Aphasia   the patients knows what he/she wants to say but cannot use muscles properly to speak  
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Sensory Aphasia   the patient pronounces words easily but uses them inaccurately  
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PERRLA   pupils are equal, round, respond to light, adjust/focus on objects  
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