Physical examination is essential throughout life since they help you to get all the information you need to stay healthy. It is a routine test that your primary care provider, a nurse practitioner, or a doctor performs to check your overall health. For kids, particularly, visiting a medical office may be scary. However Castle Hills Family Practice can eliminate some of the mystery and help your child adjust to the idea that a doctor or nurse is there to help and not hurt. Here is how you can prepare your child for a physical exam.
How to prepare for a physical examination
It would be best to prepare to make the most out of the examination adequately. First, you need to book an appointment with your family’s primary care provider. If you don’t have a primary care provider, you can look for one in your area or contact your health insurance for help. Here are some of the information and paperwork you should gather before your physical examination appointment.
- A list of all your child’s current medications, including supplements and over-the-counter drugs
- Medical history
- Results from any relevant or recent tests
- Contact information of doctors and specialists you’ve seen
- A list of any health-related questions you may have
If your kid has an implanted device such as a pacemaker, it is essential to carry a copy of the front and back of your device card to your scheduled appointment. You may also want to avoid excess jewelry and makeup and dress on comfortable clothing to allow your primary care provider to examine the body entirely.
What to expect during your appointment
Depending on your child’s age, you may or may not be involved in the ongoing process. You will do most of the talking for younger children who may not communicate well. Your primary care provider may ask a series of questions regarding your child’s allergies, medical history, past surgeries, and any symptoms they may be experiencing. Depending on the kid’s age, your health care provider may inquire about your child’s lifestyle, including if they drink alcohol, smoke, or exercise. Your primary care provider first inspects your child’s body to check for unusual marks or growth. During this part, your child may need to sit or stand depending on the areas the physician examines.
Your primary care provider then inspects your internal organs to determine their location, size, and tenderness. During this process, the child may need to lie down. Using a stethoscope, the doctor listens to various body organs, including the lungs and intestines. The doctor may require your child to take deep breaths when examining the lung. It is also necessary that the PCP accesses your child’s heart function by evaluating the heart and valve function. For this step, the healthcare provider places the stethoscope close to the heart to hear the heart’s rhythm and ensure no unusual sounds. The doctor also records the weight, height, and pulse of your child to ensure that they are generally healthy
If your child is resuming school, schedule a session with your primary care provider at Family Life Medical for school physicals to ensure your daughter or son is healthy.
