Palpation

Definition

Palpation is a method used by healthcare professionals to examine the body through touch. It helps assess the size, consistency, texture, location, and tenderness of organs or tissues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Palpation is essential in identifying abnormalities in the digestive organs such as masses or enlarged organs.
2. It can help evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition interventions on pulmonary and renal wellness.
3. There are different types of palpation techniques including light and deep palpation, each serving specific diagnostic purposes.
4. Palpation should always be performed with clean hands and proper technique to avoid causing discomfort or injury to the patient.
5. Proper documentation of findings from palpation is crucial for ongoing patient care and treatment planning.

Review Questions

• What are the primary purposes of palpation during a physical assessment?
• How does palpation contribute to assessing nutritional impact on the pulmonary system?
• Why is it important to use different palpation techniques when examining patients?

Related terms

Auscultation:

A clinical assessment method involving listening to internal body sounds using a stethoscope.

Percussion:

A diagnostic technique where tapping on a surface helps determine underlying structures' density.

Inspection:

The visual examination of a patient's body for signs of disease.