percussion

Last reviewed 01/2018

Percussion is difficult in young children, and in very young children seldom yields useful information. It can also be rather frightening, and is best preceded with a jokey warning that you are going to make a noise like a drum.

If percussed, signs of consolidation, pneumothorax, or collapse may be noted, and the upper border of the liver may be percussed out in order to identify overinflation.