Percussion
Method of Exam

• Lung fields
  • Standard method
    • Percuss the intercostal space
    • Position your middle finger firmly over the chest wall
    • Tap the chest over the distal interphalangeal joint with your middle finger
    • Movement comes from the wrist
    • Tap chest 2-3 times in a row
    • Do not leave your finger on chest after tapping
    • Note resonance and feel of percussion
    • Alternate and compare
    • Examine from top to bottom
    • Percuss all around the chest
      • Back
      • Anterior chest
      • Axilla

  • Screening method
    • Stand on the patient's side
    • Slap with the flat of your hand to identify the abnormal area

• Diaphragm
  • Position
  • Movement