Chapter 1- Medical Terminology

physical examination

the process of assessing a patient's health and signs and symptoms of disease; also called a physical

observation

the process of looking at a patient, asking questions, and gathering data

auscultation

the use of stethoscope to listen to sounds within body cavities

manifestation

the ways in which a disease presents or shows itself; also known as clinical presentation

patient history

the written description of symptoms in a patient's record

diagnostic testing

use of laboratory tests, X-rays, and other tests or procedures to help diagnose a condition or disease

olfaction

use of the sense of smell to detect abnormalities

prognosis

a forecast or prediction of the probable course and outcome of a disease or condition

palpation

application of light or firm pressure on the skin above internal organs or structures to check for abnormalities

signs

objective observations used diagnose diseases

inspection

observation of one or more areas of the body

percussion

tapping areas on the surface of the body to produce a vibrating sound

diagnosis

the identification of a health condition

symptoms

the patient's awareness of abnormalities and discomfort that indicate disease; based on subjective perceptions