In what order do you assess the abdomen Why?
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Chapter 5 – Gastrointestinal System Show Abdominal assessment involves inspection, auscultation, palpation, and percussion. This order of physical assessment is important to preserve normal bowel sounds when auscultating. For example, pressing on the abdomen can modify bowel sounds by increasing peristalsis (wave-like contractions of the intestines). Before beginning, ask the client to empty their bladder and bowel so that fullness will not influence the findings. This assessment is best accomplished in the supine position because this allows any air in the abdominal region to rise to the surface area. The client should lie flat with their head on a pillow. Some clients may find it difficult to lie completely flat; if so, you can slightly elevate the head of the bed (about 10 degrees). To ensure the abdominal musculature is relaxed, ask the client to have their arms resting beside their body and their knees bent with either their feet placed flat on the bed or a pillow placed under their knees. For a newborn or young child, you can ask someone (care partner, parent, healthcare provider) to hold them on their lap. Always do the assessment on bare skin. Contextualizing Inclusivity – Discomfort in Exposing AbdomenSome clients are uncomfortable exposing their abdomen. For example, they may feel uncomfortable because of body image issues associated with weight, modesty related to cultural or religious beliefs, or a new ostomy such as a colostomy or an ileostomy. Ostomies are surgically created openings onto the abdomen that allow stool to bypass a damaged/diseased part of the intestine and leave the body. It is important that you create an inclusive environment that is judgment free and recognizes the client’s potential discomfort. For example, you may begin the assessment with the following: “I need to assess your abdomen on the bare skin. Is that okay?” (wait for the client to give consent). What is the correct order for abdominal assessment? A. Inspection, palpation, auscultation, percussion Last updated: April 29, 2022 SummaryA fundamental part of physical examination is examination of the abdomen, which consists of inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation. The examination begins with the patient in supine position, with the abdomen completely exposed. The skin and contour of the abdomen are inspected, followed by auscultation, percussion, and palpation of all quadrants. Depending on the findings or patient complaints, a variety of examination techniques and special maneuvers can provide additional diagnostic information. Suggested sequenceAuscultation of the abdomen should be performed prior to percussion and palpation, as physical manipulation of the abdomen may induce a change in bowel sounds. Palpation of the abdomen
Abdominal tenderness may be a sign of numerous conditions (see differential diagnosis of acute abdomen and differential diagnoses of abdominal pain). Special tests
Differential diagnoses of abdominal painReferences
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