Final answer:
The technique for percussing the liver border involves tapping the surface of the abdomen to assess the size and position of the liver.
Step-by-step explanation:
The technique for percussing the liver border involves tapping the surface of the abdomen to assess the size and position of the liver.
To start, the student should locate the border of the liver, which is normally found in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, beneath the ribcage. The student should position their middle finger firmly against the abdomen at the midclavicular line, just below the level of the umbilicus.
Next, the student should use their non-dominant hand to percuss (tap) the area over the liver border, starting from the highest point and moving downwards. They should listen for changes in sound, specifically a shift from resonant to dull percussion notes, as they move from the lung area to the liver area.