What is physical examination of abdomen?

An abdominal examination is a portion of the physical examination which a physician or nurse uses to clinically observe the abdomen of a patient for signs of disease.

What are the steps to abdominal examination?

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 are the six methods used in physical examination?

Terms in this set (6)

  • inspection. viewing of the patient’s skin, appearance, well being.
  • palpation. to feel by touch. such as feeling patient for pulse.
  • percussion. percussion hammer, reflexes.
  • auscultation. to listen; heart or lungs.
  • mensuration. means of measurement such as vital signs.
  • manipulation. range of motion.

What is the preferred order for examination of the abdomen?

Abdominal examination is ideally performed with the patient in the supine position. The examiner should first observe the anxious patient and have him or her calm down enough to assess any evidence of tenderness prior to initiation of auscultation and palpation.

What is the normal contour of the abdomen?

The normal contour of the abdomen is typically flat or rounded. A concave contour (inward curve of the abdomen that looks sunken in) is concerning because it can be associated with dehydration and malnutrition, and sometimes with anorexia nervosa and cancer.

What are the principles of physical examination?

Physical examination is the process of evaluating objective anatomic findings through the use of observation, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. The information obtained must be thoughtfully integrated with the patient’s history and pathophysiology.

What is the shape of abdomen?

During inspection of the abdomen, note the general shape of the abdomen, describing it as flat, scaphoid, protuberant or distended. Note the presence of bulging flanks, or focal bulges.

What is palpation used for?

Palpation is a method of feeling with the fingers or hands during a physical examination. The health care provider touches and feels your body to examine the size, consistency, texture, location, and tenderness of an organ or body part.

What are the methods of palpation?

Light palpation is used to feel abnormalities that are on the surface, usually pressing down 1-2 centimeters. Deep palpation is used to feel internal organs and masses, usually pressing down 4-5 centimeters. Light ballottement is used to detect fluid in a body part.

What are the four contours of the abdomen?

The abdomen is roughly divided into four quadrants: right upper, right lower, left upper and left lower.