Physical Exam
This four-step method is used during most physical exams
IPPA sequence (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
Standardized exam is required by many Canadian medical schools and tests science knowledge, critical thinking, and reasoning skills
the MCAT
What is POCUS?
Point of care ultrasound used at bedside for doctors needing a quick exam
This examination evaluates node size, tenderness, mobility, and consistency
Lymph node exam
Whats a normal respiratory rate for adults?
12-20 breaths per minute
The main reason the patient is seeking care, in their own words
Chief complaint
Multiple short stations responding to questions ranging from 5-10 minutes each
What is an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview)
What is the most common suture technique for simple cuts?
Simple interrupted
This abnormal heart sound is often described as a “whooshing” noise due to turbulent blood flow
heart murmur
How is heart rate usually measured manually?
By feeling the pulse
Anything that makes the symptom better
“relieving factor”
Online situational judgment test, designed to assess professionalism and interpersonal skills
Casper test
This instrument is used to visualize the larynx and vocal cords during endotracheal intubation
laryngoscope
This adjustment is made during auscultation when subtle low-frequency sounds are being assessed, especially in cardiac exams
bell of the stethoscope
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
This confirms proper IV placement before fully advancing the catheter
flashback of blood
During a cardiac examination, which heart valves are best auscultated at the second right intercostal space, second left intercostal space, left lower sternal border, and the fifth left intercostal space at the midclavicular line
What are the aortic, pulmonic, tricuspid, and mitral valves?
The first Korotkoff sound heard during manual BP measurement indicates this pressure, while the disappearance of Korotkoff sounds indicates this pressure.
Systolic and diastolic pressure
What does OLDCARTS stand for
Onset, location, duration, characteristics, aggravating, relieving factors, timing, severity
How many admissions pathways are there for the UofA MD program?
5 streams (Indigenous, Military, Rural, Black, Regular)
This must be confirmed before inflating the balloon during catheter insertion to avoid serious injury
urine return (catheter insertion)