7. Initial general examination

The doctor should observe the patient constantly during the consultation, watching how the patient behaves and thus forming a general impression of them. This process is partly conscious and partly unconscious. This chapter discusses the aspects that a doctor can observe. These observations are based on both objective data (blood pressure, oxygen saturation, abdominal girth, etc.) and more subjective information (behaviour, odour, affect, etc.). The doctor’s observations yield a general impression that can be useful to diagnosis, treatment and contact with the patient.