USMLE Step 2 CS Patient Physical Examination

Wash your hands with soap and warm water prior to examining the patient. Make sure you dry your hands properly. If your hands are cold, rub them to warm them prior to putting them on the patient’s body.

Pay attention to keeping the patient comfortable at all times. Prior to examining him, explain to him that you are about to examine him. Get his consent by asking him “is it ok with you”. Once he gives you permission, you can proceed.

When you ask the patient to lie down, extend the leg support of the examination table, to make him comfortable. 

Use drapes to cover areas of the patients body that you are not examining. You can then shift the drapes to other areas. Maintain your patient’s modesty at all times.

When examining the patient, use proper techniques to elicit physical signs. The patient has been taught these techniques and he will grade you. Be gentle. Do not poke or push too hard.

Do not do a rectal, breast, pelvic or genito-urinary or corneal reflex examination on the patient. You are exempted from these for ECFMG CSA exam purposes. However, if you feel that the patient needs these, you can write it down under investigations.