4)begins with gentle exploration of the abdominal wall and with no effort made to palpate deeply 5)As with inspection, the initial step in palpation may be facilitated by distracting conversation or questions regarding the history 6If the patient remains tense or if the abdominal wall is very muscular, better results may be obtained by having the patient flex the thighs and knees4) begins with gentle exploration of the abdominal wall and with no effort made to palpate deeply 5) As with inspection, the initial step in palpation may be facilitated by distracting conversation or questions regarding the history. 6) If the patient remains tense or if the abdominal wall is very muscular, better results may be obtained by having the patient flex the thighs and knees