How do you physically assess the abdomen?

Deep palpation of the abdomen is performed by placing the flat of the hand on the abdominal wall and applying firm, steady pressure. It may be helpful to use two-handed palpation (Figure 93.2), particularly in evaluating a mass. Here the upper hand is used to exert pressure, while the lower hand is used to feel.

What is included in an abdominal assessment?

The abdominal examination consists of four basic components: inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. It is important to begin with the general examination of the abdomen with the patient in a completely supine position.

What organs are normally palpable during an abdominal assessment?

Organs that should be palpated during the deep exam include the liver, gallbladder, and spleen. We will also discuss techniques for palpating the stomach, pancreas, duodenum, and kidneys.

Is a soft abdomen normal?

Normal: Abdomen is soft, rectus muscle is relaxed and no discomfort is elicited during palpation.

What should abdomen feel like?

A generally resonant abdomen suggests much flatus whilst solid or liquid under the fingers will be dull. Sometimes it is helpful to use percussion to define the edge of the liver. It can also be used to delineate an enlarged bladder or a tumour arising from the pelvis.

Is dullness normal in abdomen?

The anterior gas-filled abdomen normally has a tympanitic sound to percussion, which is replaced by dullness where solid viscera, fluid, or stool predominate. The flanks are duller as posterior solid structures predominate, and the right upper quadrant is somewhat duller over the liver.

What is the normal bowel sound?

Normal: Bowel sound consist of clicks and gurgles and 5-30 per minute. An occasional borborygmus (loud prolonged gurgle) may be heard.

What are normal bowel sounds?

Why is abdominal assessment important?

If life-threatening intestinal pathology exists, most commonly obstruction, perforation, ischemia, or volvulus, a rapid and diagnostic abdominal examination will be the single most important factor to avoid mortality and to minimize morbidity.

Are abdominal sounds normal?

Abdominal sounds (bowel sounds) are made by the movement of the intestines as they push food through. The intestines are hollow, so bowel sounds echo through the abdomen much like the sounds heard from water pipes. Most bowel sounds are normal. They simply mean that the gastrointestinal tract is working.

What are the steps in abdominal assessment?

Examine the contour of the abdominal wall. During your abdominal inspection,look at the general contour of the abdominal wall from the central aspect (xiphoid,umbilicus,and suprapubic

  • Notice any skin changes. The skin on the abdomen should be evaluated for abnormalities.
  • Inspect for visible masses.
  • Observe for motion with respiration.

    • What is the correct order for abdominal assessment?

    Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.

  • Identify the patient.
  • Briefly explain the reason for and the steps of the examination and take consent from the patient.
  • Inquire if the patient has any pain.
  • Position the patient.
  • The ideal exposure is from the nipples to the knees,but this is sometimes not practically possible.

    • What is the Order of assessment for the abdomen?

    What is the correct order for abdominal assessment? Rationale: The correct order for abdominal assessment is inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation. Palpation is the last step in abdominal assessment. Auscultation follows assessment because percussion and palpation can alter the frequency and intensity of bowel sounds.

    How to document obese abdomen?

    belly fat distribution in a woman with a normal body mass index (BMI).The scan at right shows belly fat in an obese woman. Note the increase in the fat located just below the skin (subcutaneous fat) as well as the fat surrounding the internal organs (visceral fat). Subcutaneous fat Visceral fat Visceral fat Subcutaneous fat