Final answer:
A physical examination evaluates a range of neurological functions through tests divided into five major sections, including mental status, cranial nerves, sensory and motor functions, coordination, and gait examination. It's crucial for assessing cognitive capabilities, physical health, and coordination, which is particularly relevant for officers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the components evaluated in a physical examination. Specifically, it refers to the evaluations performed by officers or Medical personnel such as a comprehensive neurological exam. The physical examination evaluates several neurological functions, which are divided into five major sections. These include the mental status exam for cognitive functions like memory and language, the cranial nerve exam for testing the functions of cranial nerves, sensory and motor exams for spinal nerve function, coordination exams for cerebellar function in coordinated movements, and often a gait exam for assessing walking motor function.
The neurological exam is a crucial clinical assessment tool that determines the extent of nervous system function and can vary in application, such as the Field Sobriety Test (FST), which assesses coordination affected by alcohol consumption. The neurological examination provides insights into the physical health of individuals by testing the strength, speed, and agility specific to officers when they're encountering situations that require both mental and physical competencies.