The nurse places the stethoscope on the client's chest to listen to lung sounds. Which technique is the nurse performing?

Choice A reason: Palpation involves the use of the hands and fingers to feel for surface characteristics, organs, or masses. It relies on the sense of touch to evaluate texture, temperature, and tenderness. It does not involve the use of a stethoscope to listen to internal body sounds. Choice B reason: Inspection is the systematic visual examination of the patient. It is the first step in a physical assessment and relies entirely on sight and smell to detect abnormalities in movement, color, or symmetry. It does not utilize instruments to detect acoustic signals from the lungs. Choice C reason: Auscultation is the assessment technique of listening to sounds produced within the body, typically using a stethoscope. This method is essential for evaluating the heart, lungs, and abdomen. By listening to the character of the breath sounds, the nurse can detect abnormalities such as wheezing or crackles. Choice D reason: Percussion is a technique where the nurse taps the body surface with fingertips to produce vibrations and sounds. The resulting notes help determine the density of underlying tissues (e.g., air, fluid, or solid). It is a diagnostic tool that precedes auscultation but does not involve a stethoscope.