Final answer:
During physical assessment, techniques such as inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation are used to gather information about a patient's health.
Step-by-step explanation:
During physical assessment, there are several techniques used to gather information about a patient's health. Some of these techniques include:
- Inspection: This involves visually examining the patient's body for any abnormalities or changes in appearance.
- Palpation: This involves using the hands or fingers to feel different areas of the body to check for tenderness, swelling, or abnormal masses.
- Percussion: This involves tapping on the body's surface to produce sounds that can indicate the presence of normal or abnormal fluid or tissue.
- Auscultation: This involves using a stethoscope to listen to sounds produced by the body, such as heart or lung sounds, to assess their condition.
These techniques, along with other assessment tools, help healthcare professionals gather information about a patient's physical health and make appropriate diagnoses.