Final answer:
The musculoskeletal exam begins with the assessment of appendicular musculature to check for tremors, followed by tests of muscle strength and sensory response. It is part of the diagnosis for musculoskeletal disorders and may lead to treatment plans such as blood clot prevention.
Step-by-step explanation:
The musculoskeletal exam begins with an initial assessment of the appendicular musculature, specifically checking for the presence of tremors. During the exam, the patient is asked to extend their arms to evaluate for any involuntary shaking. This is important for examining the lateral regions of the cerebellum. Following this, further tests assess muscular strength, the patient's sensory system, and coordination. For instance, with the patient's eyes closed, the examiner may touch different parts of the patient's body with a pen to check sensory response. Additionally, muscle strength is tested by providing resistance while the patient attempts to lift their limbs.
Moreover, rapid sequential requests such as smiling, raising eyebrows, or shrugging shoulders evaluate the motor function, which can indicate muscle or nerve issues. These exams are important to identify potential musculoskeletal disorders which are often due to biomechanical stresses and can manifest as pain, weakness, or sensory abnormalities.
These assessments are part of an integrated approach to diagnose potential conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system and help in developing an appropriate treatment plan, such as the initiation of aspirin therapy to reduce the risk of blood clots in cases where an embolic event is suspected.