The nurse is preparing to palpate the thorax and abdomen of a patient. Which of these statements describes the correct technique for this procedure? Select all that apply
a. Warm the hands first before touching the patient.
b. For deep palpation, use one long continuous palpation when assessing the liver.
c. Start with light palpation to detect surface characteristics.
d. Use the fingertips to examine skin texture, swelling, pulsation, and presence of lumps.
e. Identify any tender areas, and palpate them last.
f.
Use the palms of the hands to assess temperature of the skin.
ANS: A, C, D, E
The hands should always be warmed before beginning palpation. Intermittent pressure rather than one long continuous palpation is used; any tender areas are identified and palpated last. Fingertips are used to examine skin texture, swelling, pulsation, and the presence of lumps. The dorsa (backs) of the hands are used to assess skin temperature because the skin on the dorsa is thinner than on the palms.
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A) True B) False
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