Physical Exam
What is the IPPA sequence?
This four-step method is used during most physical exams and includes inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.
Name one vital sign
Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, or oxygen saturation
What is the first thing you should do when starting a patient interview?
Introduce yourself and explain your role
What is the MCAT?
Standardized exam is required by many Canadian medical schools and tests science knowledge, critical thinking, and reasoning skills.
What is POCUS?
Point of care ultrasound used at bedside for doctors needing a quick exam
What are vesicular breath sounds?
These normal breath sounds are soft and heard over most of the lung fields.
Whats a normal respiratory rate for adults?
12-20 breaths per minute
What does the chief complaint refer to?
The main reason the patient is seeking care, in their own words
What is an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview)?
Multiple short stations responding to questions ranging from 5-10 minutes each
What is the most common suture technique for simple cuts?
Simple interrupted
What is a heart murmur?
This abnormal heart sound is often described as a “whooshing” noise due to turbulent blood flow.
How is heart rate usually measured manually?
By feeling the pulse
What is a “relieving factor” in symptom history?
Anything that makes the symptom better
What is Casper?
Online situational judgment test, designed to assess professionalism and interpersonal skills.
What is a tourniquet?
This device is used to stop severe bleeding from an arm or leg by tightening around it.
What is using the bell of the stethoscope?
This adjustment is made during auscultation when subtle low-frequency sounds are being assessed, especially in cardiac exams.
Why might an adult’s resting heart rate be below 60 bpm and still be considered normal?
Because athletes or physically fit people often have lower resting heart rates
What is the purpose of asking about family history?
To identify potential genetic or hereditary risks
Which degree/major is required to apply to medicine?
any Bachelor's degree
What is flashback of blood?
This confirms proper IV placement before fully advancing the catheter.
What is dysdiadochokinesia?
This abnormal finding is difficulty performing rapid alternating movements.
What tool is used to measure blood pressure?
Sphygmomanometer
How can a patient’s description of symptom timing help in diagnosis?
It can show patterns like whether symptoms happen at night, after eating, or during stress
How many admissions pathways are there for the UofA MD program?
4 streams (Indigenous, Black, Rural, Regular)
What is urine return (catheter insertion)?
This must be confirmed before inflating the balloon during catheter insertion to avoid serious injury.