Focused Exam Questions and
Verified Answers
Compare a focused exam to a complete exam. - correct answers-both contain chief complaint and HPI;
focused contains only PMH, SH, FH, and HM (health maintenance) pertinent to chief complaint; both
contain medications and allergies; ROS and PE appropriate for CC/HPI; both include diagnosis/plan
(focused = more specific)
Describe physical exam in a complete exam. - correct answers-core + system tier 2
When would you use a complete exam? Focused? - correct answers-complete = new patient or hospital
admit; focused in the clinic, ER, or on rounds
How long does a complete exam take? Focused? - correct answers-complete = 1 hour
focused = 15 minutes
What is the focused exam NOT? (3) - correct answers-comprehensive history; head to toe exam; repeat
of detailed, previously documented items
What mnemonic is used for documentation? - correct answers-Subjective
Objective
Assessment
Plan
Describe the subjective part of a focused exam. - correct answers-what patient tells you: CC; HPI; PMH
(medications always pertinent), habits, FH as pertinent to CC; focused ROS
Describe the objective part of a focused exam. - correct answers-you exam findings (pertinent to CC),
labs, X-rays, reports
Describe the assessment part of a focused exam. (3) - correct answers-problems list (active problems
only), differential diagnoses (possible causes for the active problems), assessment (list of conditions
needing attention today)
Describe the plan part of a focused exam. What may it include? (3) - correct answers-outline of your
approach to the active problems; may include diagnostic work-up, treatment, referral/consultation
Define a focused history and physical exam. - correct answers-combination of appropriate history
questions and physical examination directed to the specific body system as indicated by the patient's
presenting symptoms
What should HPI include? - correct answers-patient's age, gender, pertinent active medical problems,
and reason for admission with clear chronology of important events
What should always be presented when discussing the physical exam? - correct answers-vital signs
Verified Answers
Compare a focused exam to a complete exam. - correct answers-both contain chief complaint and HPI;
focused contains only PMH, SH, FH, and HM (health maintenance) pertinent to chief complaint; both
contain medications and allergies; ROS and PE appropriate for CC/HPI; both include diagnosis/plan
(focused = more specific)
Describe physical exam in a complete exam. - correct answers-core + system tier 2
When would you use a complete exam? Focused? - correct answers-complete = new patient or hospital
admit; focused in the clinic, ER, or on rounds
How long does a complete exam take? Focused? - correct answers-complete = 1 hour
focused = 15 minutes
What is the focused exam NOT? (3) - correct answers-comprehensive history; head to toe exam; repeat
of detailed, previously documented items
What mnemonic is used for documentation? - correct answers-Subjective
Objective
Assessment
Plan
Describe the subjective part of a focused exam. - correct answers-what patient tells you: CC; HPI; PMH
(medications always pertinent), habits, FH as pertinent to CC; focused ROS
Describe the objective part of a focused exam. - correct answers-you exam findings (pertinent to CC),
labs, X-rays, reports
Describe the assessment part of a focused exam. (3) - correct answers-problems list (active problems
only), differential diagnoses (possible causes for the active problems), assessment (list of conditions
needing attention today)
Describe the plan part of a focused exam. What may it include? (3) - correct answers-outline of your
approach to the active problems; may include diagnostic work-up, treatment, referral/consultation
Define a focused history and physical exam. - correct answers-combination of appropriate history
questions and physical examination directed to the specific body system as indicated by the patient's
presenting symptoms
What should HPI include? - correct answers-patient's age, gender, pertinent active medical problems,
and reason for admission with clear chronology of important events
What should always be presented when discussing the physical exam? - correct answers-vital signs
