Physical Assessment Techniques Quiz

Which of the following is the correct order of assessment techniques used during a physical assessment, excluding the abdominal assessment?

• Inspection, percussion, palpation, auscultation

• Palpation, inspection, percussion, auscultation

• Auscultation, inspection, palpation, percussion

• Percussion, palpation, auscultation, inspection

What is the acronym used to remember the order of assessment techniques for the abdomen?

• IPPA

• PIPA

• APPI

• PAIP

During the inspection phase of a physical assessment, which of the following is NOT typically assessed?

• Color

• Symmetry

• Smell

• Temperature

Which part of the hand is most sensitive to temperature during palpation?

• Palmar aspect

• Dorsal surface

• Fingertips

• Ulnar aspect

What is the primary purpose of light palpation during a physical assessment?

Which hand is used for light palpation during a physical assessment?

• Non-dominant hand

• Both hands

• Dominant hand

• Either hand

What is the purpose of using two hands for deep palpation?

• To feel the surface of the skin

• To apply enough pressure to get down to the area of the body being palpated

• To make the patient more comfortable

• To avoid touching the patient

What should you do if the patient expresses pain before palpation?

• Continue with the palpation

• Ignore the pain

• Leave that area to be palpated at last

• Apply more pressure

What is the purpose of percussion in a physical assessment?

• To apply pressure

• To produce a sound

• To measure temperature

• To check blood pressure

What type of sound is heard over an air-filled organ during percussion?

• Dullness

• Flatness

• Tympany

• Hyperresonance