Techniques in Physical Assessment Flashcards
what are the techniques in physical examination?
IPPA
o Inspection
o Palpation
o Percussion
o Auscultation
for abdomen:
IAPERPAL
Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
● The skill of observing the patient in a deliberate systematic manner.
● Begins the moment the nurse meets the patient and continues until the end of the patient-nurse interaction.
inspection
● The act of touching a patient in a therapeutic manner to elicit specific information
● Assess patient through the sense of touch
Palpation
.
direct or immediate
indirect
blunt
this type of palpation is:
- Superficial, delicate, and gentle palpation with 1 cm depth
- Reveal information on skin texture and moisture; overt, large, or superficial masses; fluid, muscle guarding and superficial tenderness; for pulses and temperature
Light
this type of palpation is present when you depress the skin surface 1 to 2 cm and use a circular motion to feel for easily palpable organs and masses.
moderate
this type of palpation is:
- Most often used for abdominal, male, and female reproductive assessments
- Use with great caution
- Variations in the technique include
single-handed and bimanual palpation.
deep
A type of deep palpation where the use of two hands placing one on each side of the body part is being palpated
Bimanual
Technique of striking one object against another to cause vibrations that produce sound.
Percussion
stationary hand
pleximeter
striking hand
plexor
3 types of percussion
direct/intermediate
indirect
blunt
Tapping the body with the fingertips of the dominant hand
direct/immediate
- Most commonly used
- Requires the use of plexor and pleximeter
Indirect
