AON Assessment Practice Test 2026 – The Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Direct percussion is a technique used in physical examinations where the clinician strikes the body surface with their fingers or hand to elicit a sound or vibration that can provide information about the underlying structures. This method is particularly effective because the sound produced varies based on the density and composition of the tissues beneath the skin.

By striking the hand that is in direct contact with the body wall, the clinician can assess whether the underlying tissues are solid, fluid-filled, or air-filled. The clarity and quality of the sound help in diagnosing conditions related to the organs or structures being examined.

The other techniques mentioned serve different diagnostic purposes. Striking the skin with a sharp instrument does not pertain to direct percussion but rather might involve other forms of examination. Using a tuning fork is associated with testing for vibrations and hearing, rather than the percussion method. Tapping on a table to test reflexes is a neurological examination technique and does not relate to the assessment of underlying structures through percussion.