ABSTRACT
Shortly after admission to a general surgical unit, most patients are examined thoroughly by the house surgeon to confirm fitness, both for operation and administration of a general anaesthetic. In addition to general examination, systematic examination of respiratory system (RS), cardiovascular system (CVS), central nervous system (CNS) and abdomen is performed and recorded. Other systems would be examined and the findings recorded if there was anything in the history to suggest the need for such examination. Examination of the RS, CVS and CNS has been considered in Chapter 3. General or introductory examination and examination of the abdomen are considered in this chapter.
