UNIT 1: Introduction to the course & Assessment techniques Flashcards
IPPA
Inspection
Palpation
Percussion
Auscultation
What is Inspection?
Inspection is concentrated watching. It begins with a general inspection of the whole body and then localized to each body system.
- Inspection is always performed 1st.
What senses does inspection use?
It uses visual, auditory, and olfactory senses and detects majority of the physical signs
Palpation: What do the fingertips best assess?
Best for fine tactile discrimination such as skin texture, swelling, pulsation, and determining presence of lumps
What is Palpation?
Palpation is when you apply your sense of touch to gently and systematically assess texture, temperature, moisture, organ location/size, as well as swelling, vibration/pulsation, rigidity/spasticity, crepitation, lumps/masses, and tenderness and pain.
Palpation: What does a grasping action between the fingers and thumb best assess?
Best for detecting the position, shape, and consistency of an organ or mass.
Palpation: What does the dorsa (backs) of hands and fingers best assess?
Best for determining temperature because the skin is thinner on the dorsa than on the palms
Palpation: What does the base of the fingers (metacarpophalangeal joints) or the ulnar surface of the hand best assess?
Best for vibration
What is Percussion?
Percussion is tapping the person’s skin with short, sharp strokes to assess the underlying structures.
These strokes make specific sounds that depicts the location, size, and density of the underlying organ.
Palpation Technique/Procedure:
- Warm hands
- Identify any tender areas and palpate them last.
- Start with light palpation using fingertips.
- then work your way through the different parts of the hands while slowly palpating with deeper and continuous pressure
What is percussion used for?
- Mapping out the location and size of an organ
- Signalling the density of a structure (air, fluid, or solid)
- Detecting an abnormal mass if it fairly superficial
- Eliciting pain if the underlying structure is inflamed
- Eliciting a deep tendon reflex with the percussion hammer.
Direct (immediate) Percussion:
In direct percussion, the striking hand contacts the body wall directly.
2 methods of percussion:
a) Direct (immediate)
b) Indirect (mediate)
Indirect (mediate) Percussion:
(used more often) Involves both hands where the striking hand contacts the stationary hand (stationary hand is on the person’s skin)
Auscultation:
Auscultation is listening to sounds produced by parts of the body, such as the heart and blood vessels, the lungs, and the abdomen. Some sounds can be heard with just the ear but most need to be channeled through a stethoscope.
Stethoscope:
A medical instrument that helps you listen to sounds within the body. The stethoscope does not magnify sound but blocks out extraneous room sounds. Has 2 main parts:
- Bell
- Diaphragm
