Final answer:
The method of tapping body parts during an exam is percussion, a technique used primarily to assess thorax or abdomen conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The method of tapping body parts with fingers, hands, or small instruments as part of a physical examination is known as percussion. This technique is often used to assess the condition of the thorax or abdomen.
During percussion, the health care provider taps on the patient's body with fingers or an instrument to produce sounds that indicate the presence of air-containing, fluid-filled or solid tissue spaces. The sound resonances can help diagnose conditions or guide further testing.
In addition to percussion, other methods to assess sensory function during a neurologic exam include using the broken end of a cotton-tipped applicator for pain perception, an oscillating tuning fork for stimuli and proprioception tests by moving fingers or toes. These simple tools and methods provide valuable data regarding a patient's somatosensory system and can indicate possible nervous system impairments or lesions.
To check circulatory efficiency and heart function, pulse palpation is performed by placing fingers on arteries close to the skin's surface and pressing lightly. The most commonly used arteries for this are the radial and carotid arteries.