What does "auscultation" involve in a clinical examination?

Auscultation is a specific technique used in clinical examinations to listen to internal body sounds. This practice typically involves using a stethoscope to hear sounds from the heart, lungs, and other organs. By doing so, healthcare professionals can assess various conditions, such as detecting abnormal heartbeats or lung sounds that might indicate respiratory issues.

In contrast, measuring blood pressure involves the use of a sphygmomanometer and does not encompass listening to body sounds. Examining reflexes focuses on the nervous system’s response and is typically performed through physical examination methods such as tapping with a reflex hammer. Performing blood tests involves drawing blood and analyzing it in a laboratory setting, which is also unrelated to the practice of auscultation. Each of these alternatives serves a distinct purpose in medicine, but auscultation specifically relates to the auditory assessment of bodily functions.