L1P2: Methods of Examining (Part 1) Flashcards
It is the visual examination, which is assessing by using the sense of sight.
Inspection
It should be deliberate, purposeful, and systematic.
Inspection
Used to assess: moisture, color, and texture of body surfaces, as well as shape, position, size, color, and symmetry of the body.
Inspection
It is the examination of the body using the sense of touch.
Palpation
The pads of the fingers are used.
Palpation
It is used to determine:
(a) texture (b) temperature (c) vibration
(d) position, size, consistency, and mobility of organs or masses; (e) distention (f) pulsation; and (g) tenderness or pain.
Palpation
Best for fine tactile discrimination (the ability to differentiate information received through the sense of touch) such as skin texture, swelling, pulsation, and determining presence of lumps.
Fingertips
To detect the position, shape, and consistency of an organ or mass through these digits’ grasping action.
Fingers and Thumb
Best for determining temperature because the skin is thinner on the dorsa than on the palms.
Dorsa (back) of Hands & Fingers
Best for vibration
Base of fingers (metacarpophalangeal joints) or ulnar surface of the hand
2 Types of Palpation
- Light (Superficial) Palpation
- Deep Palpation [Done with Two Hands (Bimanually) or one hand]
The nurse extends the dominant hand’s fingers parallel to the skin surface and presses gently while moving the hand in a circle.
The skin is slightly depressed. If it is necessary to determine the details of a mass, the nurse presses lightly several times rather than holding the pressure.
Light (Superficial) Palpation
The nurse extends the dominant hand as for light palpation, then places the finger pads of the nondominant hand on the dorsal surface of the distal interphalangeal joint of the middle three fingers of the dominant hand. The top hand applies pressure while the lower hand remains relaxed to perceive the tactile sensations.
The finger pads of the dominant hand press over the area to be palpated. Often the other hand is used to support from below.
Deep Palpation