Physical Examination Techniques

The video tutorial covers assessment techniques in nursing, focusing on the transition from collecting subjective data through health history to conducting a physical examination. It introduces the IPPA acronym, which stands for Inspect, Palpate, Percuss, and Oscillate, as a guide for objective assessment. Each step is explained in detail, highlighting the importance of using all senses except taste. The tutorial emphasizes the significance of inspection, palpation, percussion, and oscillation, providing insights into the use of a stethoscope and the nurse's intuitive skills. A practice question is included to reinforce learning.

What is the first step in a physical examination after collecting health history?

• Palpation

• Percussion

• Inspection

• Auscultation

What does the 'I' in the IPPA acronym stand for?

• Inspect

• Investigate

• Inquire

• Initiate

In what order should the physical examination techniques be performed?

• Palpate, Inspect, Percuss, Auscultate

• Inspect, Palpate, Auscultate, Percuss

• Inspect, Palpate, Percuss, Auscultate

• Percuss, Inspect, Palpate, Auscultate

During inspection, what is the nurse primarily doing?

• Listening to body sounds

• Observing the patient

• Tapping on the body

• Feeling for abnormalities

What is the primary sense used during the inspection phase?

• Touch

• Hearing

• Taste

• Sight

What is the purpose of palpation in a physical examination?

• To observe the patient

• To listen to body sounds

• To feel for abnormalities

• To tap on the body

What technique involves tapping on the body to assess underlying structures?

• Inspection

• Palpation

• Percussion

• Auscultation

Which part of the physical examination uses a stethoscope?

• Palpation

• Percussion

• Auscultation

• Inspection

What is the main tool used during auscultation?

• Fingers

• Eyes

• Stethoscope

• Percussion hammer

What is the nurse detecting when using auscultation in the abdomen?

• Gurgling sounds

• Skin color changes

• Swelling

• Tenderness