AON Assessment Practice Test

What does a physical examination primarily assess?

1. The patient's subjective experiences

2. The physician's objective findings

3. The nurse's observational data

4. The health history report

The correct answer is: The physician's objective findings

A physical examination primarily assesses the physician's objective findings, which are crucial for diagnosing health conditions. During this process, the physician employs various techniques such as inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation to systematically evaluate the patient's body. This objective data is distinguishable from subjective experiences, which refer to what the patient reports feeling or experiencing, such as pain or fatigue. The physical examination results provide measurable and observable evidence regarding a patient's health status, including vital signs, the condition of organs, and any abnormalities. Unlike subjective experiences or the health history report, which detail the patient's feedback and past medical information, the physical examination is rooted in objective and clinical observations made by the physician during the interaction. This focus on objective findings aids in forming a clearer picture of the patient's health, guiding further diagnostic procedures or treatment plans based on physical evidence rather than solely relying on patient descriptions or nursing observations.