Introduction to the Patient-Centred Physical Exam and Vital Signs
Activity
Clinical Skills Sessions
Introduce what a physical examination is, and the basics on how to perform one in a patient-centred way as a group discussion. Discuss proper technique, the importance of consent, privacy, draping and use of appropriate medical equipment (i.e., stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, etc.) Introduce Vital Signs, including normal and abnormal values. Discuss factors that affect vital signs. Pro comp connection: Patients of Varying Body Habitus. Patients presenting to medical professionals for clinical care represent a variety of body habituses. Body mass index (BMI) is used as a clinical indicator of body habitus, calculated based on a person’s height and weight. Patients are classified according to their BMI as underweight (BMI <18.5), normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9), overweight (25.0-29.9) and obese (>30.0). Note that although BMI is used clinically, it was originally a population health measure and was derived from a homogenous group (Belgian population). Therefore, its utility for individual patient care may be limited. Epidemiological studies have shown a correlation where the risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, cancer and a variety of other conditions increases as BMI increases; therefore, the classification system is meant to capture increasing health risks. It is important to note that a causal relationship between BMI and these health conditions has not been shown.

Curriculum Block

Medical Foundation 1 / Part 1 / Respirology / Week 2
- Indicates most relevant

Assessments

Objectives Structured Clinical Examination
Mid-Unit Clinical Skills Assessment

Tags

AFMC Entrustable Professional Activities
1. Obtain a history and perform a physical examination adapted to the patient’s clinical situation
AFMC National Clinical Skills
General Physical Examination
Basic Sciences
Diagnosis
Curriculum Block
Medical Foundation 1 Part 1 Respirology Week 2
Curriculum Week
Part 1 Week 5
General MCC Objectives
History Physical Examination
McMaster Professional Competency
Clinical Skills
McMaster Program Competencies
1.1 Gather essential and accurate information about patients and their health through history-taking, physical examination, and the use of laboratory data, imaging, and other tests. 1.3 Interpret laboratory data, imaging studies, and other tests required for the area of practice 2.3 Apply principles of clinical sciences to diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making, clinical problem-solving, and other aspects of evidence-based healthcare 3.1 Solicit and respond to feedback from peers, teachers, supervisors, patients, families, and members of health care teams regarding one’s knowledge, skills, attitudes and professional behaviours 3.2 Integrate feedback, external measures of performance and reflective practices to identify strengths, deficiencies, and limits in one’s knowledge, skills, attitudes and professional behaviours 4.1 Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the public, as appropriate, across a broad range of socioeconomic and sociocultural backgrounds
MeSH
Blood Pressure Determination [E01.370.600.100] Body Temperature [E01.370.600.875.374] Clinical Competence [I02.399.630.210] Heart Rate [E01.370.600.875.500] Obesity [G07.100.100.160.120.699.500] Obesity, Morbid [G07.100.100.160.120.699.500.500] Oximetry [E01.370.225.124.100.100.600] Physical Examination [E01.370.600] Pulse [G09.330.380.750] Respiratory Rate [E01.370.600.875.875] Vital Signs [E01.370.600.875]