Physical assessment

Abstract

o Use these Skills.... In this order • Inspection o Palpation o Percussion o Auscultation o Inspection – using sense of sight o You are always inspecting o Good lighting o Expose the body part o Compare findings to opposite side o Don’t hurry o Palpation – using sense of touch o Warm hands! o Short fingernails o Gentle approach o Temperature best with dorsum of hand o Texture, size and pulsation with finger pads o Palm for vibrations o Turgor – by grasping skin o Percussion – tapping the body (using the sense of hearing) o Involves striking body with fingertips o Used to evaluate size, borders, discover fluid in cavities o Evaluate density of underlying structures o Auscultation – listening to sounds o (using the sense of hearing) o Done last with the exception of the abdominal exam o First learn normal o Need good hearing o Quiet environment o Good stethoscope o Always listen to naked skin not on top of clothes o You may close your eyes