General Semiotics: Percussion Techniques

Study Notes

Percussion
- Involves tapping on a specific body area to assess sounds and diagnose conditions.
- Primarily examines organs including the lungs, heart, abdomen, sinuses, paranasal sinuses, frontal sinuses, and emphysematous tissues.
- Two main methods:
  - Mediate: Utilizes tools like a plate, disc, coin, or finger to transmit sound.
  - Direct: Tapping is done using fingers alone, without tools.
- Sound characteristics help in diagnosis, including:
  - Clear sounds
  - Relative dullness
  - Absolute dullness
  - Fullness
  - Tympanic sounds
- Identifies organ displacement or enlargement and the presence of abnormal contents.
- Example of ascites: Tapping one side of the abdomen creates a wave felt on the opposite side.
Auscultation
- Involves listening to body sounds for diagnostic purposes.
- Methods include:
  - Direct: Listening with the ear.
  - Indirect: Using a stethoscope or fonendoscope.
- Examines several body areas, notably the lungs, trachea, heart, and abdominal organs.
- Important factors for auscultation:
  - Maintain silence during the examination to ensure accurate sound interpretation.
  - Beware of artifact sounds from hair or patient movement.
- Follow a systematic approach, examining each system individually to avoid missing critical findings.
- Ensure secure placement of the earpiece to minimize external noise interference.