Which assessment technique reveals tenderness in the abdomen?

Light palpation is the assessment technique that primarily reveals tenderness in the abdomen. This method involves using the pads of the fingers to apply gentle pressure on the abdomen, allowing the healthcare provider to assess for pain, tenderness, and any abnormalities present in the underlying tissues.

By using light palpation, the examiner can detect areas of tenderness more sensitively, as excessive pressure would lead to discomfort and could obscure the assessment of tenderness. It helps differentiate between a healthy abdomen and one that may be exhibiting signs of an underlying condition, such as inflammation or irritation.

In contrast, deep palpation, while useful for assessing larger masses or organ enlargement, can often provoke discomfort and may lead to misinterpretation of tenderness due to the increased pressure. Oscillation does not pertain to the assessment of tenderness; rather, it involves a different technique typically used in other contexts, such as examining fluid levels. Lastly, inspection, while crucial for assessing the overall appearance of the abdomen, does not provide information on tenderness or pain, as it relies solely on visual observation rather than tactile feedback.