Palpation is defined as which of the following?

• A. Inspecting the skin for color and lesions.
• B. The use of touch to determine size, consistency, texture, temperature, location, and tenderness.
• C. Listening to sounds produced by the body.
• D. Tapping on the body to assess resonance.

Answer: (B)

Palpation is the use of touch during a physical exam to assess underlying structures by feeling for size, consistency, texture, temperature, location, and tenderness. This method lets the clinician detect abnormalities such as masses, organ enlargement, edema, or painful areas that aren’t always visible. It’s commonly performed in light palpation to assess surface characteristics and tenderness, and deeper palpation to evaluate internal structures.

This is distinct from inspection, which relies on sight to examine color, lesions, and overall appearance; auscultation, which listens to sounds produced by the body; and percussion, which involves tapping to assess resonance and underlying density.