Percussion is a useful examination technique to determine the size, shape, and position of organs as well as to

Question

a. determine the density (air, fluid, or solid) of a structure.
b. detect an abnormal deep mass (over 5 cm deep).
c. listen to body organs to gather information on the patient's clinical status.
d. determine the skin moisture and texture with your hands.

Answer 1

A
Percussion is an assessment technique involving production of sound to obtain information about the underlying area. It involves striking one object against another, thus producing vibration and subsequent sound waves. In the physical exam your finger functions as a hammer, and the vibration is produced by the impact of the finger against the underlying tissue. Percussion has the following uses: 1) mapping out the location and size of an organ by exploring where the percussion note changes between the borders of an organ and its neighbors; 2) signaling the density (air, fluid, or solid) of a structure by a characteristic note; 3) detecting an abnormal mass if it is superficial (no deeper than 5 cm deep). Option "c" is a description of auscultation. Option "d" describes palpation.