MEDICAL SCRIBE: PHYSICAL EXAM
TERMS AND FINDINGS - GENERAL
APPEARANCE, HEAD, SKIN
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Somnolent - Answer-drowsy or sleep disposition
cachectic/emaciated - Answer-physically wasting (extremely thin)
morbidly obese - Answer-large body mass index (BMI)
nontoxic appearing - Answer-well-appearing patient in minimal distress
often used to describe well-appearing pediatric patients
normocephalic - Answer-normal appearance and size of the head
atraumatic - Answer-no signs of trauma present
cyanosis - Answer-bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen
pallor - Answer-unhealthy paleness of skin
erythema - Answer-superficial reddening of the skin (flushing)
jaundice - Answer-yellowing of skin due to abnormal bilirubin buildup
abrasion - Answer-superficial wound to the top most layer of the skin
contusion - Answer-region of skin in which blood capillaries are ruptured; bruise
ecchymosis - Answer-area of ruptured blood vessels similar to a contusion; bruise
laceration - Answer-cut in the skin
puncture - Answer-small hole in the skin
wheal - Answer-round, localized area of edema on the skin
wheal and flare - Answer-(reaction) rash or hives (irregular, blanched raised areas with
redness
TERMS AND FINDINGS - GENERAL
APPEARANCE, HEAD, SKIN
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Somnolent - Answer-drowsy or sleep disposition
cachectic/emaciated - Answer-physically wasting (extremely thin)
morbidly obese - Answer-large body mass index (BMI)
nontoxic appearing - Answer-well-appearing patient in minimal distress
often used to describe well-appearing pediatric patients
normocephalic - Answer-normal appearance and size of the head
atraumatic - Answer-no signs of trauma present
cyanosis - Answer-bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen
pallor - Answer-unhealthy paleness of skin
erythema - Answer-superficial reddening of the skin (flushing)
jaundice - Answer-yellowing of skin due to abnormal bilirubin buildup
abrasion - Answer-superficial wound to the top most layer of the skin
contusion - Answer-region of skin in which blood capillaries are ruptured; bruise
ecchymosis - Answer-area of ruptured blood vessels similar to a contusion; bruise
laceration - Answer-cut in the skin
puncture - Answer-small hole in the skin
wheal - Answer-round, localized area of edema on the skin
wheal and flare - Answer-(reaction) rash or hives (irregular, blanched raised areas with
redness
