Checking the ears is a common practice for a boy's physical exam.
Ideally, parents should schedule physical examinations for boys before any signs of sickness appear. Regular physical examinations are an important part of keeping children healthy. For young boys who do not like or who are not accustomed to doctor appointments, these visits can be a source of anxiety. Knowing what to expect from a physical exam can make the young boy in your life more open to attending his appointment. Educating yourself on procedures will also help you be able to answer any questions that your son may have.
Height and Weight
The first thing that your son will be asked to do is remove his shoes and step onto the scale. Someone will record his height and weight. This process may be done by the doctor, but many times it is conducted by a nurse, who records this data on your child's chart and presents it to the doctor when he arrives.
Vital Signs
The next set of data to be recorded will be your son's vital signs. Someone, likely a nurse, will measure blood pressure using a cuff that is attached to your son's upper arm, and will take his pulse. Some offices take pulse using a finger touch and monitoring method. Others use a monitor that attaches to the fingertip.
Eyes, Ears and Teeth
Your son's doctor will perform an assessment of his eyesight. Different charts may be used, according to the child's age and ability to read letters or shapes. The doctor will also use an otoscope to shine a light into your son's ear canal and examine the health of the ear, and will perform a basic observation of the teeth to check for abnormalities and decay. Do not use the eye and tooth exams that take place in a doctor's office in place of regular visits to an optician and dentist. These specialists focus specifically on their areas of expertise and will be able to provide more detailed and in-depth examinations.
Abdominal Exam
Your son will most likely undress and put on a paper gown for the remainder of the exam. The doctor will step out of the room and return when you both indicate that you are ready. For the abdominal exam, your pediatrician will examine the abdomen with your child laying with his head elevated and hands by his sides. This examination is painless and merely consists of several touches done with the hands.
Immunizations
If your child is due for regular immunization shots, his doctor will most likely perform these at the time of the examination. Different shots have different levels of pain and discomfort associated with them. Try to educate yourself about pending shots ahead of time; your pediatrician can also provide information and tips for your child while in the office.
Lab Tests
Your son may need to provide a urine and blood sample. Technicians will draw and analyze these fluids for the presence of conditions like anemia, kidney problems, tuberculosis, diabetes or high cholesterol. Some medical offices are equipped to take these samples on site, while others work with outside laboratories that they will refer you to for testing. These labs then send the results to your child's doctor.
Questions
Your son's doctor will ask you both questions about how the child is sleeping and other relevant inquiries that might allude to possible problems. You will also be provided with the opportunity to ask any questions of your own and to have your son address any concerns he has.
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