Physical Assessment Techniques (Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation)

Flashcards covering the standard order of the physical exam and key concepts from the notes on inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.

What is the standard sequence of the physical examination?

Inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.

What does inspection involve?

Systematic observation using sight, smell, and hearing; starts as soon as the patient enters and continues throughout the exam; taste is not used.

Why are privacy and consent important during inspection?

To maintain modesty, explain what you will do, obtain consent, and ensure privacy (curtains/doors, blankets/gowns) and culturally appropriate practices.

What should you assess during inspection regarding the patient’s presentation?

Gate and stance, movement, dress for the environment, eye contact, body language, symmetry, and signs of distress.

What is palpation?

The technique of touching the patient with hands and fingers to gather information through the sense of touch; use gloves as needed; start with least painful areas.

What is light palpation depth?

About 1 centimeter.

What is deep palpation depth?

About 4 centimeters (up to the second knuckle).

Which parts of the hand are used for assessing position, texture, size, and masses?

Fingertips and finger pads.

Which part of the hand is used to assess temperature?

The dorsal (back) surface of the hands.

Which part of the hand is used to assess vibrations?

The ulnar (ulnar) side of the hand.

What is percussion?

Using sound waves and vibrations produced by striking one object against another to assess the density of underlying tissues.

Name the common percussion sounds and what they indicate.

Tympanic (drum-like, gas-filled areas); Resonance (healthy lungs); Hyperresonance (overinflated air); Dull (dense tissue or fluid); Flat (very dense tissue).

Direct vs indirect percussion?

Direct percussion strikes the body directly; indirect percussion uses an intermediary finger or hand to transmit the sound.

What is auscultation?

Listening to body sounds with a stethoscope, aiming for symmetry and accuracy, best heard on bare skin.

What are the two sides of a stethoscope and what sounds do they detect?

Bell for low-pitched sounds; Diaphragm for high-pitched sounds (lung, many abdominal sounds).

How should the stethoscope be positioned in the ears?

Ear tips pointed forward toward the nose; inserted properly to hear; twist as needed to activate the correct side.

Why should the stethoscope be placed on bare skin rather than over clothing?

Clothing can muffle sounds and create false readings; bare skin provides clearer sounds.