Ritta DePaolo: Physical Exam Results
- Temperature = 98.6
- Height = 65 inches
- Weight = 155 lbs
- Blood pressure = 125/70
- Heart rate = 86 beats/min
- Respiration rate = 18 breaths/min.
Physical exam findings include the following:
- Well-nourished Caucasian female.
- Ears, nose, and throat are normal. Neck is supple.
- Palpation of the frontal and maxillary sinuses does not produce discomfort.
- Temporal mandibular joint structure and function appear normal.
- Fundoscopic exam reveals mild bilateral papilledema.
Neurologic exam findings include the following:
- Awake and alert, oriented times 4.
- Speech is fluent.
- Extraocular movement intact.
- Facial sensation intact.
- Face is symmetric.
- Strength is 5/5.
- Sensation to light touch and proprioreception is intact.
- Pupilary response: pupils are equally reactive to light.
- Visual acuity: 20/20
- Deep tendon reflexes are full and equal.
- Babinski's is negative.
Questions:
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- Your name:
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- 1. Click on the links above to compare Mrs. DePaolo's vital signs to normal values. Are any of her vital signs outside the normal range? If so, what are they and what do they indicate? Do her vital signs rule out any causes of headache?
- 2. What is papilledema? Is it a significant finding?
- 3. Does the physical examination rule out or reduce the likelihood of any causes of Ms. DePaolo's headaches? Please list and explain at least three.
- 4. Why was a neurological examination done on Ms. DePaulo? Are the results normal? What causes of her headaches might or might not be ruled out?
- 5. What is the Babinski's sign? What would a positive Babinski sign indicate?
- 6. Does the physical examination support or refute your opinion? Explain how.
- 7. What laboratory tests might you request to support your opinion? Remember, laboratory testing is expensive, so please provide a rationale for your tests and predict the results.
Next step: Lab Tests »