A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps:
- General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further:
- Inspection (viewing).
- Skin (normal: intact; abrasions/wounds, redness, hematomas (bruises), scars) and
- Mucous membranes
- Gait pattern (fluid, limping)
- Body or joint posture (upright, bent, gentle posture).
- Malpositions (deformities, contractures, shortenings).
- Muscle atrophies (side comparison!, if necessary circumference measurements).
- Inspection (viewing).
- Cancer prevention
- Neurological examination – including reflex testing, checking motor skills, sensitivity.
- If necessary, psychiatric examination