When percussing an adult client, what sound is typically heard over bone?

The sound typically heard when percussing over bone is flatness. This sound is characterized by a high pitched, soft quality and is produced when the underlying tissue is dense, as is the case with bone. The flat sound occurs because there is minimal air in the area being percussed. In clinical practice, knowing how to differentiate sounds during percussion is essential for assessing underlying structures and potential health issues.

Resonance, for instance, is a sound that is typically associated with healthy lungs, where air-filled spaces create a vibrant sound. Hyperresonance suggests excess air, as might be heard in cases such as pneumothorax or emphysema, while dullness is usually observed over solid organs, such as the liver or spleen, but is still distinguishable from flatness heard over bones. Understanding these distinctions aids healthcare providers in their assessment of various conditions.