Characteristics Measured by palpation table 30-5

Radial pulse palpation

is detected with the pads of the fingertips the most sensitive part of the hand

Blood vessels palpation measured (carotid or femoral artery

Plamar surface/pads of fingertips * pulse amplitude * elasticity * rate *rhythm

During deep palpation (4 cm (2 inches))

depress tissue to assess the condition of underlying organs

Skin palpation measured

dorsum of hand/ finger *temperature palmar surfaces *Moisture *Texture gasping with fingers *Turgor and elasticity *tenderness palmar surfaces *thickness

Organs palpation measured (liver and intestines

entire palmar surface of hand or palmar *size *shape surface of finger *absence of masses *tenderness

Auscultation

listening to sounds the body makes to detect variations from normal

Glands palpation measured (thyroid and lymph

pads of fingers * symmetry and mobility

Thorax palpation measured

palmar surface * excursion finger pads/palmar surface of fingers * tenderness Palmar or ulnar surface of entire hand * Fermitus

Percussion

tapping the skin with the fingertips to vibrate underlying tissue and organs to detect density and locate organs or masses, map their edges , and determine their size. Abnormal sounds suggest a mass or substances such as as air or fluid with in an organ or body cavity

dorsum of the hand detects by palpation

temperature variation in skin

skin is grasped with the fingertips (palpation) to assess

turgor

During light palpation gentle pressure against ( 1 cm (1/2 inch))

underlying skin and tissues can detect areas of irregularity and tenderness

bony part of the palm at the base of the fingers detects by palpation

vibrations