How do you perform a complete abdominal examination?

The abdomen is inspected by positioning the patient supine on an examining table or bed. The head and knees should be supported with small pillows or folded sheets for comfort and to relax the abdominal wall musculature. The entire abdominal wall must be examined and drapes should be positioned accordingly.

What are the indications for performing an abdominal assessment?

Indications. The abdominal examination is part of all comprehensive examinations of all patients of all ages. These may be routine, scheduled examinations, or examinations to address nonspecific symptoms such as fever, weight loss, lethargy, loss of appetite, and nausea.

What is a normal abdominal assessment?

Documentation of a basic, normal abdominal exam should look something along the lines of the following: Abdomen is soft, symmetric, and non-tender without distention. There are no visible lesions or scars. The aorta is midline without bruit or visible pulsation. Umbilicus is midline without herniation.

Which of the following is the correct sequence for abdominal examinations?

Rationale: The correct order for abdominal assessment is inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation. Palpation is the last step in abdominal assessment.

What are the steps to complete a physical assessment?

The Physical Examination and Health Assessment

• Inspection. Your examiner will look at, or “inspect” specific areas of your body for normal color, shape and consistency.
• Palpation.
• Percussion.
• Auscultation.
• The Neurologic Examination:

What is guarding in abdominal examination?

Guarding of the abdomen Voluntary guarding is a conscious contraction of the abdominal wall in anticipation of an exam that will cause pain. Involuntary guarding is a reflex contraction or spasm of the abdominal muscles on palpation due to localized peritoneal inflammation.

What is borborygmi sound?

Borborygmi is the term applied to rumbling noises of varying quality and intensity produced by peristaltic movements of the bowel propelling mixed gaseous and liquid contents.