Which of the following should the paramedic assess when performing palpation during examination of a trauma patient?
A) Discoloration, such as erythema or ecchymosis
B) General muscle tone
C) Hyporesonance or hyperresonance of the thorax and abdomen
D) The depth of open wounds

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Palpation is used to assess the physical aspects of the body that can be felt, such as muscle tone, tenderness, swelling, and the presence of pulses. General muscle tone is something that can be assessed through palpation, as it involves feeling the firmness and condition of the patient's muscles. Discoloration (A) is assessed through visual inspection, not palpation. Hyporesonance or hyperresonance (C) is assessed through percussion, a technique where the chest or abdomen is tapped to listen for sounds that indicate abnormalities. The depth of open wounds (D) might involve some level of palpation but is more accurately assessed through direct visualization and possibly using instruments for a more precise examination.

Which of the Following Should the Paramedic Assess When Performing