1. Patient Assessment
Percussion
LOG # 6

2. Percussion
“Tapping” the chest wall to assess density of underlying tissue
Assess note and volume

3. Normal vs. Abnormal Normal Resonant Loud and low in pitch
Long in duration
Air-containing organ

4. Normal vs. Abnormal cont.
Hyperresonant
Very loud, low in pitch, and long in duration
 air therefore  density
Any condition that causes hyperinflation increases resonance!
E.g. pneumothorax, asthma

5. Normal vs. Abnormal cont.
Flat or dull
Opposite of normal resonance
High pitch, not loud and short in duration
Any abnormality that ’s density of lung tissue ’s resonance
E.g. consolidation, pneumonia

6. Percussion Procedure
1. Middle finger on chest 2. Tip of middle finger on other hand taps with short quick blows 3. Tapping from wrist only, not elbow or shoulder 4. Change positions t/o chest 5. Compare

7. Diaphragmatic Excursion
Best assessed on posterior chest
Normal excursion = cm
Ask pt. to inhale and percuss lower lung field until percussion note changes
Repeat procedure on exhalation