The measurement systems used in clinical practice - sharp tapping of the fingers or hands against body surfaces to produce sounds

- The measurement systems most commonly used in clinical practice are the metric system, apothecaries’ system, and household system.

- A patient must sign a separate informed consent form for each procedure.

- During percussion, the nurse uses quick, sharp tapping of the fingers or hands against body surfaces to produce sounds. This procedure is done to determine the size, shape, position, and density of underlying organs and tissues; elicit tenderness; or assess reflexes.