Which term describes the act of striking one object against another to produce sound?

Which term describes the act of striking one object against another to produce sound?

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

Answer: (C)

Percussion is the act of striking one object against another to produce sound. In a physical examination, tapping on a body surface with the fingers or a small instrument creates sounds that reflect what lies beneath—air-filled spaces produce a hollow or resonant sound, while solid or fluid-filled areas sound dull. This helps differentiate structures and detect abnormalities. The other terms refer to different examination actions: inspection is visually examining, palpation is feeling with the hands, and auscultation is listening with a stethoscope.

Percussion is the act of striking one object against another to produce sound. In a physical examination, tapping on a body surface with the fingers or a small instrument creates sounds that reflect what lies beneath—air-filled spaces produce a hollow or resonant sound, while solid or fluid-filled areas sound dull. This helps differentiate structures and detect abnormalities. The other terms refer to different examination actions: inspection is visually examining, palpation is feeling with the hands, and auscultation is listening with a stethoscope.