2-16
2-16. PERCUSSION PROCEDURE
a. Prior to the start of the treatment, auscultate the patient's lungs to locate the areas of congestion. Position the patient in the posture that best facilitates drainage of the areas to be percussed. Instruct the patient to breathe slowly and deeply to promote relaxation.
b. Hold your hands in a cupped shape with the fingers flexed and the thumbs pressed tightly against the index fingers.
c. Using a tapping or clapping movement of your cupped hands against the torso, percuss the selected area in a rhythmic manner. A hollow sound indicates correct performance of the technique. Percuss each area one to two minutes.
d. After completion of percussion, instruct the patient to breathe deeply and cough to remove loosened secretions.
e. Auscultate the patient's lungs to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.
