A nurse is evaluating a patient’s sensory function.
Which of the following sensory stimuli is primarily associated with the tactile system?

Choice A rationale

Sterile gloves are not necessary when checking a patient’s pulse. They are typically used for procedures that require aseptic technique, such as wound dressing changes or insertion of a central venous catheter.

Choice B rationale

Protective eyewear is used to protect the healthcare provider from splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions. It is not necessary when checking a patient’s pulse.

Choice C rationale

Clean gloves should be worn when touching blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, mucous membranes, and non-intact skin. This includes when caring for a patient with MRSA in an abdominal wound.

Choice D rationale

An N95 respirator mask is used to protect the healthcare provider from airborne pathogens, such as tuberculosis. It is not necessary when checking a patient’s pulse.

Choice A rationale

Detecting the scent of a rose is primarily associated with the olfactory system, not the tactile system.

Choice B rationale

Observing the color of a flower is primarily associated with the visual system, not the tactile system.

Choice C rationale

Feeling the texture of a fabric is primarily associated with the tactile system. The tactile system, part of the somatosensory system, allows us to perceive touch, pressure, temperature, pain, and vibration.

Choice D rationale

Hearing the sound of a bell is primarily associated with the auditory system, not the tactile system.