Clinical Connections - Anatomy Basics

Question 1

Noninvasive diagnostic technique

Answer 1

Does not involve insertion of instrument or device through skin or into body openings

Question 2

Examples of 4 noninvasive diagnostic techniques are:

Answer 2

Inspection
Palpating
Auscultation
Percussion

Question 3

Inspection

Answer 3

Examiner observes body for any deviation from normal

Question 4

Palpation

Answer 4

Examiner feels body surfaces for structural abnormalities or tenderness

Question 5

Auscultation

Answer 5

Examiner listens to body sounds to evaluate function of certain organs, often using stethoscope

Health care providers routinely listen to a person’s lungs, heart, and intestines to evaluate these things about the sounds:

Frequency
Intensity
Duration
Number
Quality

Question 6

Percussion

Answer 6

Examiner taps on body surface and listens to sound. Hollow cavities and spaces make different sound than solid organs.

• used determine size, consistency and borders of organs
• used determine presence or absence of fluid in body areas