Which examination technique involves applying pressure to an area to assess for pain or normalcy?

Palpation is the technique that involves applying pressure to specific areas of the body to assess for various conditions. This method allows the practitioner to gather important information such as tenderness, temperature, texture, and the presence of any abnormalities under the skin. By using their hands to feel the area, the practitioner can distinguish between normal and abnormal findings, which is crucial in a clinical setting, especially when evaluating patients post-mastectomy. This tactile assessment provides valuable insights into the patient’s condition, aiding in planning further care or interventions.

While inspection refers to visual examination and can identify surface abnormalities, it does not provide the depth of information that palpation does. Compression could imply interference with blood flow or fluid assessment but is not the standard term typically used in this context. Examination is a broader term encompassing all methods of assessing a patient but does not specifically refer to the technique of applying pressure.