Which assessment technique uses tapping to evaluate organ size?

Which assessment technique uses tapping to evaluate organ size?

• A. Inspection
• B. Palpation
• C. Percussion
• D. Auscultation

Answer: (C)

Tapping, as a method to evaluate organ size, is known as percussion. This technique is employed primarily to produce sounds from the body, helping assess the size, shape, and density of underlying organs. When used properly, percussion can reveal whether an organ is enlarged, diminished, or displaced, thus providing valuable diagnostic information that could direct further investigation or treatment. Auscultation refers to listening to sounds within the body using a stethoscope, and it is typically used to assess heart and lung sounds, rather than organ size. Palpation involves using one's hands to feel the surface of the body, examining for texture, size, consistency, and location of organs, but it does not involve the sound-based evaluation that percussion provides. Inspection is the visual assessment of the patient's external appearance and does not involve the tactile or auditory techniques used in percussion or palpation. Thus, percussion is the specific technique that directly addresses organ size through the method of tapping.

Tapping, as a method to evaluate organ size, is known as percussion. This technique is employed primarily to produce sounds from the body, helping assess the size, shape, and density of underlying organs. When used properly, percussion can reveal whether an organ is enlarged, diminished, or displaced, thus providing valuable diagnostic information that could direct further investigation or treatment.

Auscultation refers to listening to sounds within the body using a stethoscope, and it is typically used to assess heart and lung sounds, rather than organ size. Palpation involves using one's hands to feel the surface of the body, examining for texture, size, consistency, and location of organs, but it does not involve the sound-based evaluation that percussion provides. Inspection is the visual assessment of the patient's external appearance and does not involve the tactile or auditory techniques used in percussion or palpation. Thus, percussion is the specific technique that directly addresses organ size through the method of tapping.