Cardiovascular Examination
Inspection: Scars, precordial bulge, apex beat.
Palpation: Apex (location, character), thrills, heaves.
Auscultation: S1, S2, S3/S4, murmurs (systolic/diastolic, grading I-VI).
Key signs: Mitral stenosis (opening snap, diastolic rumble), Aortic regurgitation (blowing diastolic murmur, water-hammer pulse), Mitral regurgitation (pan-systolic murmur, apex radiation to axilla).
Respiratory Examination
Inspection: chest shape, respiratory rate, use of accessory muscles.
Palpation: tracheal position, expansion.
Percussion: note resonance/dullness.
Auscultation: bronchial vs vesicular breath sounds, crackles, wheeze, pleural rub.
Central Nervous System Examination
Higher functions -> Cranial nerves -> Motor (tone, power, reflexes) -> Sensory (all modalities) -> Cerebellar -> Gait.
Abdominal Examination
Inspection: shape, scars, peristalsis, pulsations.
Palpation: superficial -> deep. Look for organomegaly, masses, tenderness.
Percussion: shifting dullness, fluid thrill, liver span.
Auscultation: bowel sounds, renal bruits, hepatic bruits.
References & further reading
Every clinical claim in this article is anchored to a primary source. Click through to verify, and use the same habit in your revision.
Revision history
- 19 September 2026 — Initial publication
Frequently asked questions
Are clinical examination skills tested in UPSC CMS?
Yes — through clinical vignettes that describe physical findings and ask for diagnosis or next management step. Image-based questions may show clinical signs or examination findings.
What are the most important CVS examination findings?
JVP elevation (JVP > 3cm above sternal angle = elevated), apex beat displacement, murmurs (systolic vs diastolic, grading, radiation), S3 vs S4, pericardial rub.
What CNS examination steps are critical?
Higher functions (GCS, orientation), cranial nerves (all 12), motor system (tone, power, reflexes, Babinski), sensory (all modalities), cerebellar (finger-nose, heel-shin, Romberg).
Related reading
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