Which technique uses the sense of touch to assess skin temperature, turgor, texture, and moisture, as well as vibrations within the body?

• A. Inspection
• B. Palpation
• C. Percussion
• D. Auscultation

Answer: (B)

Palpation is the hands-on technique that uses touch to evaluate the body's surfaces and underlying structures. By using the fingertips and the backs of the hands, you can assess skin temperature (warmth vs. cool areas), turgor (how quickly skin returns to place), texture, and moisture. Palpation also lets you feel for vibrations transmitted through tissues, such as tactile fremitus in the chest, which helps you gauge underlying conditions. This approach is distinct from other methods that rely on sight (inspection), tapping to produce sounds (percussion), or listening with a stethoscope (auscultation).