The new 21st edition of this textbook on clinical examination, first published in 1897, continues the tradition of combining the core knowledge of patient examination with the newer understanding brought about by modern techniques of investigation. The book has comprehensive coverage of the essential skills needed for history-taking and clinical examination. It reviews the relevant investigations that aid the doctor in forming a diagnosis, emphasising at all stages the importance of the doctor-patient relationship.
Part 1 - Setting the Scene; Patient and doctor; Diagnosis, investigation and management; The psychiatric assessment; The skin, nails and hair. Part 2 - Systems; The respiratory system; The cardiovascular system; The gastrointestinal tract and abdomen; The endocrine system and metabolic disorders; The renal tract and urology; The locomotor system; The nervous system; The eye; The ear, nose and throat; Gynaecology and obstetrics. Part 3 - Clinical Methods in Special Situations; The unconscious patient; The management of acute traumatic injury; Oncology; Children and neonates; Elderly people; The genitalia and sexually transmitted diseases; Anaemia and coagulation disorders. Part 4 - Clinical Investigations; Imaging in medical practice; Blood and intestinal parasites; Ethical issues in medical practice. Appendices: A guide to reference ranges used in pathology; Collecting specimens for laboratory analysis; Chemical tests used in urinalysis.
Professor Swash has edited various books for Churchill Livingstone and WB Saunders, including the Colour Guide - Neurology and The Pelvic Floor. He has been the editor of Hutchison for several editions.
