Comprehensive Girl's Physical Exam: What to Expect

A girl's physical exam is tailored to age, development, and health history. Components include:

General Assessment (All Ages)

• Vital signs: BP, HR, RR, temp, SpO₂
• Growth: height, weight, BMI-for-age percentile
• Head/neck: eyes, ears, nose, throat, thyroid, lymph nodes
• Cardiopulmonary: heart/lungs auscultation
• Abdomen: palpation for masses, tenderness, organomegaly
• Skin: rashes, nevi, acne, signs of self-harm
• Musculoskeletal: spine (scoliosis screen), joints, gait
• Neurological: development, reflexes, cognition (age-appropriate)

Reproductive/Gynecologic (Adolescents/Young Adults)

• Breast exam: Inspection/palpation; teach self-awareness.
• Pelvic exam: External genitalia inspection; internal (speculum/bimanual) if indicated (symptoms, STI screening, Pap per guidelines). Not routine for asymptomatic teens.
• STI screening: Urine/vaginal swab for chlamydia/gonorrhea if sexually active (CDC: annually <25).
• Contraceptive counseling: If indicated.
• Menstrual history: Regularity, dysmenorrhea, PMS, menstrual hygiene.

Screenings & Prevention

• Vision/hearing screening
• Blood pressure (annually ≥3 years)
• Nutrition/diet assessment
• Immunization review (HPV, MenACWY, MenB, Tdap, flu, COVID)
• Developmental/behavioral/mental health screening (PHQ-9, GAD-7, PSC, etc.)
• Substance use screening (CRAFFT, SBIRT)
• Safety: seatbelts, helmets, abuse/violence screening

Exams are confidential (per state minor consent laws). Builds trust, promotes autonomy, enables early intervention.