Why is the dorsum of the hand used to test skin temperature, and what part of the hand is used to test for vibration?

The dorsum, or back, of the hand and fingers is used to test skin temperature because the examiner's skin there is thinnest. To test for vibration, the nurse should use the palmar surface of the hand.

Palpation is done with the sense of touch. For temperature assessment, the dorsum of the hand is preferred because the skin on the back of the hand is thinner, which makes it more sensitive to temperature differences. For vibration assessment, the palmar surface of the hand is used instead, as stated in the physical examination techniques.