HALFPENNY SIGN
\hˈɑːfpənˌi sˈa͡ɪn], \hˈɑːfpənˌi sˈaɪn], \h_ˈɑː_f_p_ə_n_ˌi s_ˈaɪ_n]\
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A s. elicited by auscultatory percussion, said to indicate pleuritic effusion. "The patient is seated, and is auscultated in the dorsal region." An assistant places a sou on the thorax in different parts according to directions, and percusses. The ear of the auscultator listens at the opposed corresponding parts. The healthy side is first examined; then the side with pleurisy, where the note is much higher. A clear metallic sound indicates pleuritic effusion; when this sound is absent there is no effusion.
By Smith Ely Jelliffe
