BATES Guide TO Physical Exam History
Taking Certification Exam Script Questions
and Answers Verified Solutions Latest Update
2026/2027
Answer:
To inspect the inner structures of the eye. It consists of a stainless-steel handle containing batteries
and an attached head, which has a light, magnifying lenses, and an opening through which the eye
is viewed.
■ Tongue depressor.
Answer:
A flat, wooden blade used to hold down the tongue when the throat is examined.
■ Otoscope.
Answer:
To examine the external auditory canal and tympanic membrane. It has a stainless-steel handle
containing batteries or is part of a wall-mounted electrical unit. The head of the otoscope has a light
that is focused through a magnifying lens; it should be covered with a disposable ear speculum. The
light also may be used to illuminate the nasal passages and throat.
■ Tuning fork.
Answer:
An aluminum, fork-shaped instrument that consists of a handle and two prongs. The prongs
produce a humming sound when the provider strikes them against his or her hand. Tuning forks are
available in different sizes, and each size produces a different
pitch level. A tuning fork is used to check the patient's auditory acuity and to test bone vibration. A
tuning fork can also be used to test for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
■ Tape measure.
Answer:
,A flexible ribbon ruler that is usually printed with inches and feet on one side and centimeters and
meters on the reverse side. Measurements may be used to assess length and head circumference in
infants, wound size, and so on.
■ Stethoscope
Answer:
■
Answer:
A listening device used when certain areas of the body are auscultated, particularly the heart and
lungs. This instrument is available in many shapes and sizes. All have two earpieces that are
connected to flexible rubber or vinyl tubing. At the distal end of the tubing is a diaphragm or bell
(many have both); when it is placed securely on the patient's skin, it enables the provider to hear
internal body sound
■ Reflex hammer
Answer:
Sometimes called a percussion hammer. This stainless-steel instrument has a hard rubber head that
is used to strike the tendons of the knee and elbow to test the neurologic reflexes.
■ Gloves
Answer:
Gloves protect the healthcare worker and the patient from microorganisms. According to Standard
Precautions, gloves must be worn whenever the potential exists for contact with any body fluid,
broken skin or wounds, or contaminated items
■ Additional supplies
Answer:
Gauze, cotton balls, cotton-tipped applicators, disposable tissues, specimen containers, fecal occult
blood test cards, Pap test supplies for female patients, lubricating jelly for vaginal and rectal
examinations, and laboratory request forms should be easily accessible during the examination.
■ Safe Lifting Techniques
Answer:
, • Always get help if the load is too
heavy.
• Maintain correct body alignment, with the legs spread apart for a broad
base of support.
• Do not reach for items; clear barriers out of the way and get as close as
possible to what needs to be lifted.
• Bend at the knees with the feet shoulder width apart, and keep the back
straight. Use the major muscle groups of the arms and legs rather than the weaker ones of the back
to help lift a heavy item (see Fig. 30.13).
• When carrying a heavy item, keep the weight as close to the body as
possible (see Fig. 30.14).
• Move the feet in the direction of the lift. Do not twist or turn on fixed
feet.
• Bend the knees while keeping the back straight when lowering an item
at the completion of a lift.
• If possible, slide, roll, or push a heavy item rather than lifting or
pulling it.
■ Transferring a Patient
Answer:
If the patient is in a wheelchair, move the chair at a 45-degree angle toward the footrest that extends
from the bottom of the exam table, lock the wheels, and lift the footrests of the wheelchair out of
the way. Explain the procedure to the patient, and ask for his or her assistance. If one side of the
patient is stronger than the other, always provide support on the strong side. Support the patient
close to your body on the strong side, with one hand under the axillary region and the other either
grasping the patient's hand or holding the forearm.
■ gait belt
Answer:
A safety device that is used to help transfer a patient from a wheelchair to the exam table or to help
a patient walk. The gait belt helps you support the patient while keeping your body in proper
alignment to prevent back injuries. A gait belt should be used if the patient is weak and at risk of
falling.
■ steps to use a gait belt:
Answer:
• Place the belt around the
individual's waist over clothing with the buckle in front.
Taking Certification Exam Script Questions
and Answers Verified Solutions Latest Update
2026/2027
Answer:
To inspect the inner structures of the eye. It consists of a stainless-steel handle containing batteries
and an attached head, which has a light, magnifying lenses, and an opening through which the eye
is viewed.
■ Tongue depressor.
Answer:
A flat, wooden blade used to hold down the tongue when the throat is examined.
■ Otoscope.
Answer:
To examine the external auditory canal and tympanic membrane. It has a stainless-steel handle
containing batteries or is part of a wall-mounted electrical unit. The head of the otoscope has a light
that is focused through a magnifying lens; it should be covered with a disposable ear speculum. The
light also may be used to illuminate the nasal passages and throat.
■ Tuning fork.
Answer:
An aluminum, fork-shaped instrument that consists of a handle and two prongs. The prongs
produce a humming sound when the provider strikes them against his or her hand. Tuning forks are
available in different sizes, and each size produces a different
pitch level. A tuning fork is used to check the patient's auditory acuity and to test bone vibration. A
tuning fork can also be used to test for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
■ Tape measure.
Answer:
,A flexible ribbon ruler that is usually printed with inches and feet on one side and centimeters and
meters on the reverse side. Measurements may be used to assess length and head circumference in
infants, wound size, and so on.
■ Stethoscope
Answer:
■
Answer:
A listening device used when certain areas of the body are auscultated, particularly the heart and
lungs. This instrument is available in many shapes and sizes. All have two earpieces that are
connected to flexible rubber or vinyl tubing. At the distal end of the tubing is a diaphragm or bell
(many have both); when it is placed securely on the patient's skin, it enables the provider to hear
internal body sound
■ Reflex hammer
Answer:
Sometimes called a percussion hammer. This stainless-steel instrument has a hard rubber head that
is used to strike the tendons of the knee and elbow to test the neurologic reflexes.
■ Gloves
Answer:
Gloves protect the healthcare worker and the patient from microorganisms. According to Standard
Precautions, gloves must be worn whenever the potential exists for contact with any body fluid,
broken skin or wounds, or contaminated items
■ Additional supplies
Answer:
Gauze, cotton balls, cotton-tipped applicators, disposable tissues, specimen containers, fecal occult
blood test cards, Pap test supplies for female patients, lubricating jelly for vaginal and rectal
examinations, and laboratory request forms should be easily accessible during the examination.
■ Safe Lifting Techniques
Answer:
, • Always get help if the load is too
heavy.
• Maintain correct body alignment, with the legs spread apart for a broad
base of support.
• Do not reach for items; clear barriers out of the way and get as close as
possible to what needs to be lifted.
• Bend at the knees with the feet shoulder width apart, and keep the back
straight. Use the major muscle groups of the arms and legs rather than the weaker ones of the back
to help lift a heavy item (see Fig. 30.13).
• When carrying a heavy item, keep the weight as close to the body as
possible (see Fig. 30.14).
• Move the feet in the direction of the lift. Do not twist or turn on fixed
feet.
• Bend the knees while keeping the back straight when lowering an item
at the completion of a lift.
• If possible, slide, roll, or push a heavy item rather than lifting or
pulling it.
■ Transferring a Patient
Answer:
If the patient is in a wheelchair, move the chair at a 45-degree angle toward the footrest that extends
from the bottom of the exam table, lock the wheels, and lift the footrests of the wheelchair out of
the way. Explain the procedure to the patient, and ask for his or her assistance. If one side of the
patient is stronger than the other, always provide support on the strong side. Support the patient
close to your body on the strong side, with one hand under the axillary region and the other either
grasping the patient's hand or holding the forearm.
■ gait belt
Answer:
A safety device that is used to help transfer a patient from a wheelchair to the exam table or to help
a patient walk. The gait belt helps you support the patient while keeping your body in proper
alignment to prevent back injuries. A gait belt should be used if the patient is weak and at risk of
falling.
■ steps to use a gait belt:
Answer:
• Place the belt around the
individual's waist over clothing with the buckle in front.
