PRO 234 Introduction to Basic Clinical Skills Course

Year 2 Semester 3 Fall 2019

Introduction to Techniques of Physical Examination

Checklist: Palpation

1 Introduces self
2 Confirms patient identity
3 Explains and gains consent
4 Sanitizes and warms hands
5 Asks the patient to expose the area to be examined.
6 Ensures good light
7 Stands on the right side of the patient
9 Use right hand – position of the hand should mould to the area to be palpated. It
should not be rigid. Palpation should be gentle but with firm pressure
11 Fingers are held straight with slight flexion at the metacarpophalangeal joints
12 Poking with the fingertips is avoided
13 Covers exposed area of the patient
14 Thanks the patient