What technique does a nurse use to detect the density of an underlying structure during a physical examination?

The technique used by a nurse to detect the density of an underlying structure during a physical examination is percussion. This method involves tapping on the body surface with fingers or hands to create sound waves. The resulting sounds can indicate whether the underlying tissue is solid, fluid-filled, or air-filled, providing valuable information about the density and condition of internal organs.

For instance, resonant sounds may indicate normal lung tissue, while dull sounds could suggest denser structures such as fluid in the lungs or other abnormalities in the abdomen. By interpreting these sounds, the nurse can gain insights into the patient's health status and identify areas that may need further investigation or examination.

In contrast, palpation involves using touch to assess for size, shape, tenderness, and consistency of structures. Auscultation relates to listening to sounds from within the body, typically using a stethoscope to assess functions of the heart, lungs, and other organs. Inspection is the visual examination of the body, which can reveal physical signs of illness or abnormalities but does not assess density specifically.