Palpation

Definition

Palpation is the use of the hands and fingers to examine the body through touch. It assesses temperature, texture, moisture, pulsation, tenderness, masses, and organ size.

Techniques

• Light palpation: 1 to 2 cm depth; assesses surface texture and tenderness.
• Deep palpation: 2.5 to 5 cm depth; assesses organs and masses.
• Bimanual palpation: Uses both hands (e.g., kidneys).

Order in Physical Assessment

Usually: Inspection → Palpation → Percussion → Auscultation. EXCEPT abdomen: Inspection → Auscultation → Percussion → Palpation (palpation last to avoid stimulating bowel sounds).

Nursing Considerations

Warm hands, clean, short fingernails. Palpate painful areas last (approach systematically). Note symmetry and bilateral comparison.

NCLEX Relevance

Abdominal exception: palpate last.