Common Medical Tools

A physical examination is an important part of every visit to the doctor, and will most likely include the use of medical tools. Some of the most common medical tools, including scales, stethoscopes, blood pressure monitors, thermometers and even your medical history, deliver your doctor the most important information about your health. Your doctor's preferences and the reasons for your visit will determine which tools are used during your physical examination.

Scales

• Scales are used to measure your weight and sometimes your height. Your body weight may be used to determine whether you are underweight or overweight, your risk factors for weight-related conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease or infertility, and the dosage calculations of certain medications. Your doctor may also use your weight and height to calculate your body mass index (BMI), which indicates your percentage of body fat to determine whether your weight falls within a healthy range.

Stethoscope

• Stethoscopes are most commonly used to listen to the heartbeat to determine its regularity and are used in conjunction with manual blood pressure monitors to detect the heartbeat. Your doctor may also ask you to breathe in and out deeply as he places the stethoscope over the upper and lower quadrants of your lungs to listen for sounds of abnormalities or obstructions in your breathing.

Sphygmomanometer

• The sphygmomanometer, or blood pressure monitor, measures your blood pressure. Blood pressure is a measurement of the force and amount of blood pumped by the heart and indicates the flexibility of your arteries. High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, and low blood pressure may signal a variety of conditions, including dehydration and heart failure.

Thermometer

• A thermometer is used to measure body temperature to determine if it falls within a normal range. A normal resting body temperature is considered to be 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, but varies slightly by individual. The primary reason for measuring temperature is to detect fever, which is a high body temperature, usually over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, or 1 to 1.5 degrees higher than an individual's normal body temperature.

Hands and Eyes

• Your doctor's hands and eyes are some of her most important tools. She may use her hands to measure heart rate, check for swelling in lymph nodes, perform chest percussion or palpate areas, such as the abdomen, for tenderness that may indicate illness or injury. During the examination, your doctor will also observe your physical appearance to determine your overall health, including observing your ease of mobility, skin color (i.e. pale, jaundiced), skin health and any bruises or abrasions.

Medical History

• Your medical history provides your doctor with a detailed picture of your family health history, your overall health, allergies, medications or supplements you are taking, and your activity level. You will most likely fill out a medical history form on your first visit to each new doctor. On subsequent visits, your doctor will ask you if anything has changed regarding your physical or emotional health or your lifestyle. If your doctor does not ask, volunteer any updated information or symptoms that concern you.