Physical Assessment Textbook:

• Chap 3: Examination Techniques and Equipment

4 Fundamental Examination Techniques

1. Inspection

• The process of observation

2. Palpation

• Palpation involves the use of the hands and fingers to gather information through the sense of touch

3  Percussion

• Percussion involves striking one object against another to produce vibration and subsequent sound waves.

4  Auscultation

• Auscultation involves listening for sounds produced by the body 

• The diaphragm of the stethoscope is usually preferable  to the bell for listening to the lungs because it transmits the ordinarily high-pitched sounds better and because it provides a broader area of sound