Table 1 Comparison of the novel core examination for preclinical medical students to the original core examination for clerkship-level students described by Gowda et al.
Modified core examination for preclinical students | Original core examination described by Gowda et al. |
|---|---|
General • In distress/no distress • “Sick/not sick” appearance Head • Eye inspection/pupillary light reflex • Oropharynx inspection Neck • Palpation for lymphadenopathy Thorax • Cardiac auscultation (4 areas with diaphragm and bell) • Pulmonary auscultation (6 areas posteriorly, 1 axillary, 1 apex bilaterally) Abdomen • Inspection • Palpation (superficial and deep) Extremities • Palpation for edema bilaterally • Dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses bilaterally Neurological • Gross upper extremity flexion and extension against resistance • Hip flexion against resistance • Gait | General • General appearance • Level of consciousness • Orientation • Temperature • Weight/height/body mass index Vital Signs • Blood pressure • Heart rate • Respiratory rate HEENT • External inspection of eye and lid • Pupillary light reflex • Inspection of oropharynx and dentition Neck • Lymph node palpation • Thyroid palpation Chest • Thorax inspection • Chest auscultation (anterior and posterior) • Chest percussion posteriorly Cardiac • Carotid artery palpation • Jugular venous pulse • Cardiac point of maximal impulse • Cardiac auscultation with diaphragm in six areas • Cardiac auscultation with bell at apex Abdomen • Abdominal inspection • Abdominal auscultation • Abdominal palpation in six areas • Liver palpation • Lymph node palpation (inguinal) Vascular • Posterior tibial or dorsalis pedis artery palpation • Assessment of lower extremities for edema bilaterally Skin • Skin inspection Extremities and musculoskeletal • Inspection of extremities • Inspection of joints • Inspection of limbs for alignment and symmetry Neurological • Assessment of speech • Cranial nerves • Motor exam of upper and lower extremities (strength and tone) • Deep tendon reflexes (biceps and patellar) • Sensory exam (light touch or pinprick of feet) • Gait |