Final answer:
A physician conducts an oral review of a patient's body systems with the assistance of other medical professionals. This review includes an examination of the oral cavity and pharynx to check for infections and cranial nerve function, as well as tests for neurological and muscle functions indicating sensory or motor deficits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The practice of a physician reviewing a patient's body systems orally encompasses a multidisciplinary team which may include the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional. They collectively conduct a thorough review, addressing the key concerns vital for recovery and patient care. This comprehensive evaluation often includes previous medical history and results in a plan for the immediate steps to be implemented before, during, and after a surgical procedure, such as the 'time out' prior to skin incision.
An important aspect of this review is the inspection of the oral cavity and pharynx. Instruction by the physician for the patient to "open your mouth and say 'ah'" allows for examination with tools like a tongue depressor to check the fauces and back of the mouth. This checkup aims not only to spot signs of infection, such as tonsillitis but also to assess the functionality of cranial nerves that interact with the oral cavity.
The neurological review, often rapid, can include observations and tests like asking the patient to smile, raise eyebrows, stick out the tongue, and shrug shoulders. These actions help the physician to examine muscle strength and neurological functions. They also provide clues to sensory issues that might warrant further investigation via imaging studies or initiation of treatments like aspirin therapy to prevent complications like embolism.