Lange's Practical Guide to History Taking, Physical Exam, and Functioning in the Hospital and Clinic

By approaching clinical medicine in a practical and demystified fashion, this engaging, focused guide helps you master your most important everyday tasks

The clinical exam is a tangible way of truly being with another person while collecting key information. Humans are delightfully quirky, such that the way in which they describe symptoms often requires an open and tuned-in human ear to truly understand and contextualize their stories. Physical connection, providing comfort and healing through touch, can only be delivered when you are next to another living soul. Helping others through medicine is an immensely rewarding activity and being connected to someone, hearing their stories, and guiding their care in a hands-on manner, is a unique privilege that we should all hold onto tightly.  

With its pragmatic approach, Lange’s History Taking Handbook, Physical Exam, and Functioning in the Hospital and Clinic helps make the learning process both fun and rewarding. Core behaviors are described which have diagnostic utility and prolonged applicability, even in a technology driven world. There are always new techniques to learn and unusual findings to incorporate into your personal libraries of medical experience. However, unless you take the time to build a solid foundation, you will never have confidence in the accuracy and value of what you can uncover with a sharp mind, attentive ear, agile fingers, and a few simple tools!

• Every section is constructed to answer the question: "What do I really need to know about this area?"

• The material is presented in a concise, bulleted fashion that is easy to read and follow. The focus is on skills and approaches, which should be readily applicable during clinical encounters.

• Exam techniques are described in step-by-step detail. Special maneuvers that are occasionally utilized are also described, as well as when they should be implemented.

• Photos and illustrations are incorporated to make the descriptions and techniques easier to understand and apply.

• There are chapters dedicated to every major organ system. In addition, care of specific patient groups are covered, including three chapters dedicated to pediatrics (Newborn, Toddler/Child and Adolescence), LGBTQ+ Health, and Geriatrics.

• Every chapter contains Pearls to draw attention to particularly noteworthy elements.

• Findings and their Meanings are provided, which highlight common abnormalities that might be identified as well as their clinical significance.

• Tables and charts are used throughout, to allow the reader to more easily identify key points and make connections and comparisons.

• Clinical Connection illustrations further highlight the link between historical information, exam findings, and common disorders.

• Diagnoses at a Glance are provided in tables that emphasize the symptoms, findings and pathology associated with common disorders within an organ system.

• Each section has Telehealth Tips highlighting the ways in which this growing modality might be utilized to evaluate specific organ systems and symptoms. There is also a chapter dedicated to Telehealth which provides core information that is broadly applicable to typical telehealth visits.

• Checklists at the end of each chapter highlight the core aspects of each organ system exam.

• Detailed descriptions of how to function in clinical settings are provided, including Oral Presentations and Documentation (e.g., note writing) in the Hospital.

Charles Goldberg, MD, is vice dean of Graduate Medical Education at the University of California San Diego and a clinical professor in the Division of Hospital Medicine at VA San Diego Healthcare System.

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