Tapping

Definition

Tapping, also known as percussion, is a physical assessment technique used to evaluate the condition of digestive organs. It involves tapping on the surface of the body to produce sounds that can indicate abnormalities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tapping helps assess the size, consistency, and borders of internal organs such as the liver and intestines.
2. Different sounds produced during tapping can indicate various conditions; for example, a hollow sound may suggest gas-filled intestines.
3. Dull sounds during tapping often indicate solid structures like liver or masses within the abdomen.
4. Tapping is usually performed with two fingers: one finger taps while another finger is placed firmly on the skin.
5. This technique is often combined with other physical assessment methods like palpation and auscultation for comprehensive evaluation.

Review Questions

• What types of sounds are produced during tapping and what do they indicate?
• How does tapping help in assessing digestive organs?
• Why might a healthcare provider choose to combine tapping with other physical assessment techniques?

Related terms

Palpation: A method of feeling with the hands to examine the size, consistency, texture, location, and tenderness of an organ or body part.

Auscultation: Listening to the internal sounds of the body, typically using a stethoscope.

Percussion Note: The specific sound produced during tapping which can be classified as resonant, dull, tympanic or flat depending on underlying structures.