In cooperation with Mosby, FITNE has produced the Physical Examination Series I and II, a sequence of videodisc programs for nursing students and other healthcare providers. Series I includes Interviewing and Taking a Health History, the Respiratory System, the Cardiovascular System and the Neurologic System. Series II continues with Examination of the Adult: Head-to-Toe Approach, the Abdomen and the Musculoskeletal System. Interviewing and Taking a Health History emphasizes specific communication techniques that are vital to achieving successful provider-patient interactions during the physical examination. Head-to-Toe Approach provides an overview of the examination process, integrating factors such as communication, observation, manual skills, critical thinking, professional demeanor and personal sensitivity.

The other five programs contain technique labs where the learner can review and practice a variety of skills needed for physical examination of the adult system presented, including observing characteristics, locating sites for examination and identifying significant sounds. In addition, various exercises help the learner refine these techniques. Each program based on a body system also contains case studies where the student can evaluate findings from a physical examination. Findings may be expected, unexpected, or variations of expected findings in an older adult. Learners may view the case study in case study mode (examination with questions), preview mode (view the total examination without interruption) or mentor mode (view the examination with evaluation by an expert).

The programs are designed for the learner who is beginning the study of physical examination as well as for healthcare providers who wish to review these procedures. (Series I was released in 1995 and Series II in 1996.)

Series I
INTERVIEWING AND TAKING A HEALTH HISTORY
Videodisc Sides: 1
Approximate Total Viewing Time: 2 hours
Required Hard Disk Space: 1MB

LEARNER OBJECTIVES
Identify factors that are important in the interviewing and history-taking part of the physical examination, including the characteristics of the examiner and the patient, the influence of the setting, specific techniques for communication, barriers to communication and the role of cultural diversity in communication. Evaluate the approach of the interviewer in five simulated case studies.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Videodisc Sides: 1
Approximate Total Viewing Time: 3.5 hours
Required Hard Disk Space: 1.8MB

LEARNER OBJECTIVES
Describe techniques for inspection during the respiratory examination, including observing the chest, identifying landmarks, counting respirations and describing variations in respiration including expected respirations, bradypnea, tachypnea, apnea, hypernea, hyperventilation, hypoventilation, Kussmaul, Cheyne-Stokes, Biot's dyspnea, orthopnea and retractions. Describe techniques for palpation during the respiratory examination, including thoracic expansion, tactile fremitus and midline trachea techniques. Describe techniques for percussion during the respiratory examination, including evaluation of percussion tones and diaphragmatic excursion. Describe techniques for auscultation during the respiratory examination, including evaluation of expected and adventitious breath sounds. Describe characteristics of cough and sputum. Evaluate findings related to risk factors, inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation presented in five case studies.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
Videodisc Sides: 1
Approximate Total Viewing Time: 3 hours
Required Hard Disk Space: 1.5MB

LEARNER OBJECTIVES
Describe techniques for inspection during the cardiovascular examination, including evaluation of the precordium and skin. Describe techniques for palpation during the cardiovascular examination, including locating and evaluating the apical impulse, peripheral pulses, edema and capillary refill. Describe techniques for auscultation during the cardiovascular examination. Practice, via interactive media, identification of S1, S2, Split S2, S3, S4, extra sounds, murmurs and bruits. Describe the evaluation of chest pain. Evaluate findings related to risk factors, inspection, palpation and auscultation in three case studies.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION OF THE NEUROLOGIC SYSTEM
Videodisc Sides: 1
Approximate Total Viewing Time: 3 hours
Required Hard Disk Space: 1.5MB

LEARNER OBJECTIVES
Describe techniques for evaluation of mental status, cranial nerve function, proprioreception and cerebellar, sensory and reflex functions. Practice, via interactive media, evaluation of mental status, expected gaits, unexpected gaits, Romberg, Babinski and deep tendon reflexes. Evaluate findings related to mental status, cranial nerve function, proprioreception and cerebellar, sensory and reflex functions in three case studies.