When performing a physical assessment, the first technique the nurse will always use

A. Palpation

B. Inspection

C. Percussion

D. Auscultation

B. Inspection

The nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment. Which statement is true about the 

physical assessment? The inspection phase:

A. Usually yields little information

B. Takes time and reveals a surprising amount of information

C. May be somewhat uncomfortable for the expert practitioner

D. Requires a quick glance at the patient's body systems before proceeding with palpation

B. Takes time and reveals a surprising amount of information

The nurse is assessing a patient's skin during an office visit. What part of the hand and technique 

should be used to best assess the patient's skin temperature?

A. Fingertips; they are more sensitive to small changes in temperature

B. Dorsal surface of the hand; the skin is thinner on this surface than on the palms

C. Ulnar portion of the hand, increased blood supply in this area enhances temperature sensitivity

D. Palmar surface of the hand; this surface is the most sensitive to temperature variations 

because of its increased nerve supply in this area.

B. Dorsal surface of the hand; the skin is thinner on this surface than on the palms

Which of these techniques uses the sense of touch to assess texture, temperature, moisture, and 

swelling when the nurse is assessing a patient?

A. Palpation

B. Inspection

C. Percussion

D. Auscultation

A. Palpation

The nurse is preparing to assess a patient's abdomen by palpation. How should the nurse 

proceed?

A. Palpation of reportedly tender areas are avoided because palpation in these areas may cause 

pain

B. Palpating a tender area is quickly performed to avoid any discomfort that the patient may 

experience

C. The assessment begins with deep palpation, while encouraging the patient to relax and to take 

deep breaths.

D. The assessment begins with light palpation to detect surface characteristics and to accustom 

the patient to being touched.

D. The assessment begins with light palpation to detect surface characteristics and to accustom 

the patient to being touched.

The nurse would use bimanual palpation technique in which situation?

A. Palpating the thorax of an infant

B. Palpating the kidneys and the uterus

C. Assessing pulsations and vibrations

D. Assessing the presence of tenderness and pain

B. Palpating the kidneys and the uterus

The nurse is preparing to percuss the abdomen of a patient. The purpose of the percussion is to 

assess the ___________ of the underlying tissue.

A. Turgor

B. Texture

C. Density

D. Consistency

C. Density

The nurse is reviewing percussion techniques with a newly graduated nurse. Which technique, if 

used by the new nurse, indicates that more review is needed?

A. Percussing once over each area

B. Quickly lifting be striking finger after each stroke

C. Striking with the fingertip, not the finger pad

D. Using the wrist to make the strikes, not the arm

A. Percussing once over each area