This article introduces a series of articles on physical assessment and the clinical pharmacist. The primary objective of the articles is to present basic knowledge and methods of physical assessment used to monitor drug effect. A post-test based on the competency objectives will be included in a future issue.

The article introduces the physical assessment of the ocular apparatus. Normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology are described, along with assessment techniques and tools. Drugs affecting the eye are discussed and a case study is presented.

Th is article d iscusses no rmal and a bno rmal anatomy an d physiology of the heart a nd the techniques used in physical assessment. Specific adverse drug effects a re discussed and a case study is pro vided to illustrat e key concepts . Drug In/ell Clin Pharm 1983;17: 248-54.

This article reviews the anatomy and physiology necessary to perform a physical assessment of the neck. Illustrations, a case report and a discussion of drug therapy for treatment of hyperthyroidism demonstrate the clinical pharmacy application of the material.

The anatomy of the thorax and lungs and the physiology or respiration are complex. The physical assessment techniques which, on the surface, appear relatively easy to master, require hours of practice of observation, palpation, percussion, and auscultation before the examiner becomes familiar with the more subtle changes of disease process and the wide variations of normal that may be confused with illness. These are skills that may be quickly lost if not regularly applied. But perhaps with the use of such techniques, the pharmacist can play an even greater role in the monitoring of drug therapy.