The nurse is caring for a client who is admitted to the medical-surgical unit for gastrointestinal disorders. While conducting a focused assessment, the nurse prepares to lightly palpate the client's abdomen. Which part of the hand should the nurse use?

A. The dorsal surface of the hand is used for assessing temperature, not palpation. B. The fingertips and palmar surface are used for deep palpation, not light palpation. C. The palmar surface of the fingers can be used, but the finger pads provide more sensitivity for light palpation, especially when assessing the abdomen. D. Finger pads are the best part of the hand for light palpation as they allow the nurse to assess tenderness and abdominal consistency accurately.