What is involved in a physical examination?

A physical examination primarily involves testing or inspecting an individual's body to assess general health and identify any potential medical issues. This process can include a range of activities such as palpation, auscultation, checking reflexes, measuring vital signs, and performing specific tests that evaluate the function of different systems within the body. The goal is to gather objective data about the physical condition of the patient, which can inform diagnosis and treatment decisions.

While reviewing the medical history and observing a patient's psychological state are essential components of overall patient assessment, these activities do not fall under the technical definition of a physical examination. Evaluating financial health is also unrelated to a physical examination, as it pertains to the administrative or socioeconomic aspects of healthcare rather than the clinical evaluation of a patient’s physical condition. Thus, focusing on the physical examination itself clearly supports the choice involving the testing or inspection of the body as the correct response.