What do you assess when using palpation in patient examination?

When using palpation in patient examination, you assess pulse and tenderness in specific areas of the body. Palpation is a physical examination technique where a clinician uses their hands to feel the body, which allows them to gather important information about the condition of various organs and structures beneath the skin. By assessing the pulse, you can evaluate circulation and heart function. Tenderness in specific areas indicates potential issues such as inflammation, injury, or underlying conditions that may require further investigation or treatment.

This method is crucial because it provides tactile feedback that may reveal conditions that are not visible or audible through other assessment techniques. For example, while you might use auscultation to listen for heart rhythms or breath sounds, palpation specifically targets what can be physically felt, such as abnormal masses, swelling, or fluctuating sensations, enhancing overall patient evaluation.