Assessing physical signs involves a combination of inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation:
Inspection: Visually examining the patient for any abnormalities in appearance, behavior, or movement. Palpation: Using hands to feel for abnormalities such as lumps, tenderness, or temperature variations. Percussion: Tapping on specific areas of the body to listen to the sounds produced, aiding in the assessment of underlying structures. Auscultation: Listening to internal sounds of the body, typically using a stethoscope, to detect abnormalities in the heart, lungs, or gastrointestinal system.
