Palpating is primarily used for what purpose in a clinical setting?

Palpating is primarily used to find assessment findings by pressing on body areas. This technique involves using the hands to feel the body’s surface to assess various aspects such as the size, consistency, texture, location, and tenderness of certain body parts or organs. Through palpation, a healthcare provider can gather important information about the patient's condition and identify any abnormalities, such as swelling, masses, or changes in temperature or moisture levels of the skin.

While assessing blood pressure, evaluating heart rate, and measuring body temperature are also important components of a clinical assessment, they rely on different methods and instruments rather than the direct use of touch, which is the hallmark of palpation.