Physical Examination Flashcards

When assessing jugular venous pressure (JVP), at what angle should the patient be positioned?

Answer: 30-45 degrees

JVP is assessed with the patient at 30-45 degrees so the meniscus of the internal jugular vein is visible in the neck.

During abdominal examination, in which quadrant would you expect to find Murphy's sign positive?

Answer: Right upper quadrant

Murphy's sign (inspiratory arrest on deep palpation) is elicited in the right upper quadrant over the gallbladder.

Which finding on fundoscopy is most indicative of raised intracranial pressure?

Answer: Papilledema

Papilledema (blurring and elevation of the optic disc margins) is the classic sign of raised intracranial pressure on fundoscopy.

When testing the patellar reflex, which nerve root is primarily being assessed?

Answer: L3-L4

The patellar (knee jerk) reflex tests the L3-L4 nerve root via the femoral nerve.

A patient has a positive Romberg test. This indicates impairment of which sensory modality?

Answer: Proprioception

Romberg test becomes positive when proprioceptive input is impaired, as the patient relies on vision to compensate and falls when eyes are closed.

On auscultation, a friction rub heard over the precordium that varies with position is most consistent with:

Answer: Pericarditis

A pericardial friction rub is a leathery, scratching sound heard best with the patient leaning forward and is pathognomonic of pericarditis.

When performing the straight leg raise test, at what angle of elevation does radicular pain that indicates lumbar disc herniation typically occur?

Answer: 30-70 degrees

Radicular pain reproducing sciatic symptoms at 30-70 degrees of hip flexion is a positive SLR indicating nerve root compression, typically L4-S1.