Palpation: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, fainting, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden severe pain, or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or throat.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent medical advice if you develop significant new pain, rapidly increasing swelling, spreading redness, or bleeding after the examination.

   These effects are unusual and may relate to the condition being assessed rather than palpation itself.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Contact your healthcare team during routine hours if tenderness or bruising after palpation is not improving, or if you have questions about the findings or follow-up plan.

   Also call if a lump, swelling, or painful area changes before your next appointment.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Palpation. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.