The Evidence-Based Physical Examination of the Child and Adolescent Male

The well visit for children and adolescents is extremely important in promoting overall physical, social, and emotional health and preventing disease. The purpose of the physical examination is to identify any abnormalities that require further evaluation. This chapter will discuss the physical examination of the natal male from the newborn age through early childhood and adolescence to young adult. When there is evidence to support or refute performing any physical examination technique, it will be discussed in detail. National organizations, chiefly the American Academy of Pediatrics as well as the American Academy of Family Physicians, contribute evidence as well as expert consensus to fill in any gaps in the evidence. The chapter will discuss the physical examination techniques of the genitourinary exam in greater detail than other components of the physical examination. Other aspects of the well-child examination, including pertinent history, anticipatory guidance, and counseling techniques, are discussed in other chapters in this textbook.