The standard sequence for examining the chest is:
A) palpate, percuss, auscultate, inspect.
B) inspect, palpate, auscultate, percuss.
C) inspect, palpate, percuss, auscultate.
D) inspect, auscultate, percuss, palpate.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The standard sequence for examining the chest is inspect, palpate, percuss, auscultate. Inspection should always come first as it provides important initial information about the patient's overall appearance, breathing patterns, and any visible abnormalities. Palpation should follow inspection to assess any changes in skin temperature, tenderness, or masses. Percussion is then used to assess the density of underlying tissues, followed by auscultation to assess the sounds produced by breathing and the heart.

The Standard Sequence for Examining the Chest Is