Firm Palpation Technique

Firm palpation is a physical examination technique in which controlled, sustained pressure is applied to the body to assess deeper tissues, organs, or abnormal masses. Using the fingertips or palmar surface, the examiner gradually increases pressure while observing tissue consistency, mobility, borders, tenderness, guarding, and the patient’s response; the method is typically performed after light palpation to avoid discomfort and improve localization. In medicine, firm palpation supports assessment of abdominal organs, lymph nodes, muscles, joints, and soft-tissue lesions. Findings can help distinguish normal anatomy from inflammation, enlargement, rigidity, or other changes that warrant further evaluation.

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JoVE Science Education - Clinical Skills

Palpation

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2023

Source: Jaideep S. Talwalkar, MD, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT The physical examination requires the use of all of the provider's senses to gain information about the patient. The sense of touch is utilized to obtain diagnostic information through palpation. The specific parts of the examiner's hand used for palpation differ based on the body part being examined. Because of their dense sensory innervation, the finger pads are useful for fine...

Abdominal Exam III: Palpation

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2023

Source: Alexander Goldfarb, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, MA Abdominal palpation, if performed correctly, allows for examination of the large and relatively superficial organs; for a skilled examiner, it allows for assessment of the smaller and deeper structures as well. The amount of information that can be obtained by palpation of the abdominal area also depends on the anatomical characteristics of the patient. For example, obesity might make...

Respiratory Exam I: Inspection and Palpation

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2023

Source: Suneel Dhand, MD, Attending Physician, Internal Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Disorders of the respiratory system with a chief complaint of shortness of breath are among the most common reasons for both outpatient and inpatient evaluation. The most obvious visible clue to a respiratory problem will be whether the patient is displaying any signs of respiratory distress, such as fast respiratory rate and/or cyanosis. In a clinical situation, this will always require...

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Cardiac Exam I: Inspection and Palpation

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2023

Source: Suneel Dhand, MD, Attending Physician, Internal Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center The cardiac assessment is one of the core examinations performed by almost every physician whenever encountering a patient. Disorders of the cardiac system are among the most common reasons for hospital admission, with conditions ranging from myocardial infarction to congestive heart failure. Learning a complete and thorough cardiac examination is therefore crucial for any practicing physician.

The Demand for Labor: Firm

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2025

Factor markets are markets for the inputs used in production such as labor, capital, and land. In the labor market, firms seek to hire employees, and workers seek employment. The demand for labor refers to the number of employees a firm aims to hire during a specified time period at a given wage rate. For instance, on an organic farm, the owner must decide how many workers are needed each week to manage the crops and harvest the produce. Demand for labor is a derived demand. Derived demand...

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