Introduction to skills for physical examination

Question 1

What do you put in:
Orange/yellow plastic bags
Clear/black plastic bags
White plastic bags
Yellow sharps bin

Answer 1

Orange/yellow plastic bags- clinical waste
Clear/black plastic bags- domestic waste, including recycling
White plastic bags- linen
Yellow sharps bin- ‘sharps’

Question 2

Define informed consent

Answer 2

Permission granted in full knowledge of the purpose, benefits and possible consequences

Question 3

Give an exemplar self-introduction

Answer 3

Hi, my name’s Joseph Terry and I’m a second year medical student at St George’s. Could I first get your name and date of birth please?… Thank you, it’s nice to meet you. (What brings you in today?) Today I’ll be taking a look at your… to examine your…. This will involve me inspecting, feeling, tapping and listening to your… Are you okay with that?… Due to the nature of the examination you will be required to be undressed from the waist upwards, is that okay?.. I can offer you a chaperone if it makes you feel more comfortable… I can assure you that all findings will remain confidential within the medical team. This examination is for my own learning, and my senior may come later to repeat all or parts of the examination, is that alright with you? So are you happy to begin? Are you in any pain at the moment?

Question 4

What do you do after introducing yourself?

Answer 4

A general inspection of the room for things like walking aids, oxygen, asthma pumps, a yellow book for warfarin etc. and inspection of the patient from a distance