How and Why?

Your doctor is like a detective – they will look for clues on your body to help understand your health.

 

Every examination is different but some things they may do:
  • Take your ‘obs‘ – this is slang for general body observations. This may include:
    • Measuring your temperature using a thermometer in the ear.
    • Using a small machine on your fingertip to check your blood oxygen level.
    • Checking your blood pressure and heart rate using a ‘squeezing machine’ on your arm.
  • Looking at your hands and nails – these can reveal surprising secrets about your general body health.
  • Looking in your eyes – this can show if your ‘blood level’ (haemoglobin) is low – known as ‘anaemia’
  • Examining your chest by looking, listening and tapping on it. This will help understand about how your heart and lungs are working. Your doctor may give you simple instructions such as holding your breath or leaning forward.
  • Looking at your legs and feet for any swelling.
Your doctor will explain if they want to do any other examination.

 

 

Remember your doctor should always ask for permission to examine you, this is known as ‘gaining consent’