What it means
The hands-on part of an assessment. It uses four techniques: inspection (looking), palpationpal-PAY-shunExamining the body by touching and pressing with the hands and fingers.Full entry (feeling), percussion (tapping) and auscultationaws-kul-TAY-shunListening to the sounds inside the body, usually with a stethoscope.Full entry (listening with a stethoscope). It may be complete, from head to toe, or focused on one body system or problem.
For the nurse
For the belly, the order changes: inspect, listen, then percuss and palpate, because touching can change bowel sounds. Explain each step, keep the client covered except the part being examined, and wash hands before and after.
At a glance
| Spanish | examen físico |
|---|---|
| Also written | physical examinations, physical-examination, physical exam |
Related terms
assess
To gather information about a client by looking, listening, asking, measuring and examining.
auscultation
Listening to the sounds inside the body, usually with a stethoscope.
palpation
Examining the body by touching and pressing with the hands and fingers.
stethoscope
A tool used to listen to sounds inside the body, such as the heart, lungs and bowel.