NOT a physical examination factor?

NOT a physical examination factor?

• A. Edema
• B. Weight history
• C. Muscle wasting
• D. Subcutaneous fat

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is distinguishing what you observe during a physical examination from information gathered from the patient’s history. In a nutrition-focused physical exam, you look for observable signs of malnutrition such as edema (swelling from fluid or protein deficiency), muscle wasting (loss of bulk in major muscle groups), and loss of subcutaneous fat (less fat padding in areas like the triceps or orbital region). These are signs you directly assess with inspection and palpation. Weight history, by contrast, is information you obtain by asking the patient about past weights and changes over time, including intentional vs unintentional weight loss or gain. It informs risk and needs but is not a sign you observe during the examination itself. So weight history is not a physical examination factor.

The main idea here is distinguishing what you observe during a physical examination from information gathered from the patient’s history. In a nutrition-focused physical exam, you look for observable signs of malnutrition such as edema (swelling from fluid or protein deficiency), muscle wasting (loss of bulk in major muscle groups), and loss of subcutaneous fat (less fat padding in areas like the triceps or orbital region). These are signs you directly assess with inspection and palpation.

Weight history, by contrast, is information you obtain by asking the patient about past weights and changes over time, including intentional vs unintentional weight loss or gain. It informs risk and needs but is not a sign you observe during the examination itself. So weight history is not a physical examination factor.