Auscultation

Auscultation

In the medical field, inspection, derived from the Latin word "Inspectio" meaning the act of beholding, entails a comprehensive and deliberate visual examination of the patient. This examination relies solely on the unaided eye.

During inspection, the examiner scrutinizes:

External indicators:

• Physical characteristics and symmetry
• Nutritional status or body weight
• Skin tone
• Breathing rate and depth
• Movement of the abdomen and chest walls during breathing
• Distribution of hair
• Divergence of rectus muscles
• Umbilicus (appearance, shape, color, signs of inflammation)
• Gait and speech patterns

Noteworthy abnormalities include:

• Unusual body contours
• Scars and stretch marks
• Visible lumps or masses
• Skin discoloration
• Edema
• Tremors

In clinical practice, inspection extends beyond visual cues. It also involves:

• Listening for any audible sounds from the patient
• Detecting any odors that may be present.