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What does the term 'palpate' mean?

  1. Perform a venipuncture

  2. Examine by touch

  3. Examine by sound

  4. Obtain a specimen from an intravenous line

The correct answer is: Examine by touch

The term 'palpate' refers to the practice of examining a part of the body through touch. In medical contexts, this is commonly used to assess various physical parameters such as temperature, texture, and the presence of abnormalities in tissues or organs. For example, a phlebotomist palpates a vein to assess its size and depth before performing a venipuncture. Understanding this term is essential for professionals in healthcare, as many clinical evaluations involve tactile examination to gather important information about a patient's condition. This skill aids in the process of accurately locating veins for blood draw or other medical procedures.