Palpation of the Posterior Lungs with 1 hand using the technique called tactile fremitus

POINTS TO REMEMBER:

1. When assessing for tactile fremitus, you may use either the one hand or two hand method
2. Ask the patient to say "99" each time you move your hand
3. Using the palms of your hand, start at the apex (top) of lungs and proceed down the back to the base (bottom) of lungs moving from side to side.  Don't forget to assess the lateral (sides) areas.
4. Remember that vibrations palpated will be loudest at the apex and will decrease in intensity as you move down the back.  Question to ask yourself:  Are the vibrations symmetrical? 
Normal finding-Symmetrical

Click on the link below to watch a flash movie on palpation of the posterior lungs with 1 hand using the technique of tactile fremitus

palpate posterior lungs (1 hand)-tactile fremitus