In assessing for renal tenderness, what method should the nurse use?

Blunt percussion is the correct method for assessing renal tenderness because it effectively evaluates the kidneys while minimizing discomfort for the patient. This technique involves using a fist to gently tap over the area of the kidneys, which can help elicit any pain or tenderness that may indicate underlying pathology such as kidney stones or infection. The force generated by blunt percussion is enough to assess for tenderness without causing excessive strain on the tissue or the patient.

Light palpation is generally used to assess surface-level structures and is not adequate for evaluating deeper organs like the kidneys. It may not provide the necessary sensitivity to detect renal tenderness. Deep palpation, while useful in some assessments, can be too invasive and uncomfortable for patients, especially over the kidney area, where tenderness is often assessed. Direct percussion can also be uncomfortable and is less commonly used in this context, as blunt percussion is specifically designed to gauge tenderness in deeper structures like the kidneys without causing pain during the examination.