Physical Assessment Module 5 Quiz Study Guide
Physical Assessment Module 5 Quiz Study Guide
1. Understand the procedure to perform light palpation on the abdomen
o Light palpation is used to detect tenderness. The examiner should
systematically palpate the entire abdomen by using the flat part of
his or her right hand or the pads of the fingers, not the fingertips.
The fingers should be together, and sudden jabs are to be avoided
o Light palpation can help determine if there is tenderness as well as
anything grossly abnormal such as a mass or enlarged organ. The
abdomen should be soft and nontender
2. Learn how to assess the kidney for tenderness
o To assess kidney, place one hand over the 12
th
rib at costovertebral
angle on back. Thump that hand with ulnar edge of your other fist
3. Understand why auscultation is performed first
o For the abdomen, the second assessment technique is auscultation.
This is because percussion and palpation will stimulate intestinal
movements and the needed information is the baseline bowel
sounds (percussion and palpation can increase peristalsis, which
would give a false interpretation of bowel sounds).
4. What are signs of breast cancer?
o Lump and discharge
o Rash and swelling