Targeted Physical Examination

Physical examination should include:

• Vital signs
  • Body temperature - evaluate for fever
  • Blood pressure - evaluate for hypotension
  • Pulse - evaluate rate and strength
  • Respiratory rate
• Skin examination
  • Erythema
  • Blistering
  • Edema
  • Desquamation
• Neurologic examination
  • Level of consciousness
  • Ataxia
  • Motor/sensory deficits
  • Presence or absence of reflexes
  • Papilledema
• Gastrointestinal examination
  • Abdominal tenderness
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Hematologic examination
  • Ecchymoses
  • Petechiae of mucous membrane and skin