What assessment techniques are used in a physical examination?

The correct answer identifies the four primary assessment techniques utilized during a physical examination: inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. Each of these techniques plays a vital role in gathering comprehensive information about a patient's health status.

Inspection involves visually examining the patient to assess physical conditions, noting any abnormalities in appearance, such as skin color, texture, and overall body symmetry. Palpation is the technique of using one's hands to feel the body, allowing the examiner to assess texture, temperature, moisture, and the presence of masses or tenderness in tissues and organs. Percussion involves tapping on specific body areas to evaluate the size, consistency, and borders of body organs, as well as the presence of fluid or air in cavities. Finally, auscultation is the practice of listening to internal sounds of the body, typically using a stethoscope, to assess heart, lung, and bowel function.

The other options do not comprise the full range of techniques necessary for a thorough physical examination. While observation is important, the lack of palpation, percussion, and auscultation means these options do not encompass all necessary assessment techniques. Daily vital signs checks are relevant to monitoring patient status but do not include the comprehensive physical examination techniques needed for diagnoses. Therefore,