Anatomy, Physiology and Basic Health Care
Domain overview
This domain tests whether a PHC worker can describe normal body structure and function, measure vital signs correctly and give safe first-line care. Questions often combine anatomy, physiology and basic health care rather than asking for isolated labels.
Core rules and concepts
The body is organised from cells to tissues to organs to systems, and health depends on homeostasis. In the anatomical position the body is upright, face forward and palms forward. Know the major systems: skeletal (support, protection, blood cell formation), muscular (movement, posture, heat), cardiovascular (circulation), respiratory (gas exchange), digestive (digestion and absorption), urinary (fluid and electrolyte balance), nervous (control and coordination), endocrine (hormones) and reproductive systems.
Normal adult values at rest: oral temperature 36.1–37.2°C, pulse 60–100 beats/min, respiration 12–20 breaths/min, blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg and SpO2 95% or above at sea level. Measure the pulse for a full minute if the rhythm is irregular, count respiration without telling the patient, and choose a cuff that fits the upper arm. First aid follows ABC: airway, breathing, circulation. For an unresponsive adult who is not breathing normally, start CPR with 30 chest compressions to 2 breaths at 100–120 compressions/min and 5–6 cm depth. Control bleeding with direct pressure, cool burns with running water, immobilise suspected fractures and place a breathing but semi-conscious patient in the recovery position.
Worked example
A 45-year-old man has a temperature of 39°C, pulse 110/min, respiration 24/min and BP 100/60 mmHg. Fever raises the pulse by about 10 beats/min for each 1°C above 37°C, so 39°C predicts roughly 80–100 beats/min. A pulse of 110 and respiration of 24 suggest an added problem such as dehydration or infection; check capillary refill, mucous membranes and urine output, start oral rehydration if he can drink, and refer if he is drowsy, hypotensive or has red-flag symptoms.
Traps that cost marks
Counting the pulse for 15 seconds and multiplying by four when the rhythm is irregular; using a cuff that is too small, which falsely raises BP; counting respiration while the patient is aware and changes the rate; and assuming that a low BP always means shock without checking other signs.