Final answer:
The part of the physical assessment that takes place primarily through observation is the general survey.
Step-by-step explanation:
The part of the physical assessment that takes place primarily through observation is the general survey.
During the general survey, the healthcare provider observes the patient's overall appearance, behavior, and vital signs to gather initial information about their health status. This includes observing the patient's body structure, posture, hygiene, dress, speech, level of alertness, and emotional state. It also involves measuring vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature.
Observation is an important part of the physical assessment as it helps the healthcare provider to form initial impressions and identify any obvious abnormalities or signs of illness in the patient.