<span>Palpation and percussion can cause an increase in normal bowel sounds and hide abdominal vascular sounds. Therefore it is wise to perform auscultation prior to percussion and palpation during clinical assessment of the renal system. Palpation should be avoided if a client is suspected of having a tumor because it could harm the client. It is more important as part of clinical assessment of the renal system to listen for bruit by auscultating over the renal artery. Bruit indicates renal artery stenosis. The nontender areas should be examined prior to tender areas to avoid confusion regarding radiating pain from the tender area being percussed.</span>
