The correct spelling for "immediate percussion" is [ɪˈmiːdiət pəˈkʌʃən]. In this term, the first syllable is pronounced with the short "i" sound, followed by the stressed "ee" sound in the second syllable. The second word begins with the voiced "p" sound, followed by the "uh" vowel sound and the "sh" sound in the final syllable. Immediate percussion is a medical examination technique where a physician taps a patient's body to determine if any underlying conditions are present.
Immediate percussion refers to a diagnostic technique used in medical examinations to assess the sound produced by striking body parts. It involves tapping or striking the surface of the body to elicit specific sounds that can indicate the presence of underlying abnormalities. This method allows healthcare professionals to gather important information about the condition of various organs and body tissues.
During immediate percussion, the examiner presses their fingers or a percussion hammer against the patient's body surface and strikes firmly on that area. This produces specific sounds that change depending on the density and elasticity of the underlying structures. The sound can be analyzed to identify deviations from the normal state, thereby aiding in the diagnosis of various medical conditions.
For example, in immediate percussion of the chest, a resonant sound obtained over normal lung fields suggests the absence of any lung pathology. However, a dull or flat sound may indicate the presence of fluid, such as in pneumonia or a collapsed lung. In abdominal percussion, different degrees of sound resonance can differentiate between fluid-filled cysts or solid masses.
Immediate percussion is commonly used by medical professionals, especially in physical examinations of the chest and abdomen. It is a quick and non-invasive technique that can provide significant diagnostic clues, helping to guide further investigations and treatment decisions. However, it requires skill and experience to interpret the sounds accurately and effectively.
The striking of the part under examination directly with the finger or a plessor, without the intervention of another finger or a plessimeter.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.