Free AAMA Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Practice Question

Palpation is the technique used to feel the internal organs or masses within the body, particularly important in assessing the abdomen for any irregularities, such as masses or tenderness. Inspection involves visually examining the patient, which is the initial step in abdominal examination to check for any visible swelling, discoloration or abnormal movements. Auscultation, primarily used to listen to bowel sounds, is not primarily utilized for detecting masses. Percussion measures the density of abdominal contents but is less specific for identifying masses compared to palpation.