1. Steps to Take When Performing an Abdominal Assessment (pg 157-159 ATI funds book)
1. Inspection
- Note any guarding or splinting of the abdomen.
- Inspect the umbilicus for position, shape, color, inflammation, discharge, and masses.
- Assess skin (any lesions, scars, stretch marks, dilated veins, jaundice,
Silver striae, cyanosis or ascites)
- Asses shape/contour of abdomen (flat, convex, concave or distended)
- Movement of the abdominal wall (peristalsis or pulsations)
2. Auscultation
- Listen for bowel sounds
Expected sounds: High pitched gurgles 5-35 times/min.
To make the determination of absent bowel sounds,
you must hear no sounds after listening for a full 5 min.
3. Percussion
4. Palpation
- Light Palpation: Use finger pads to palpate depth in each quadrant
- Deep Palpation: The top hand depresses the bottom hand for depth. The
Bottom hand assesses for organ enlargement or masses
- Expected findings: Softness, no nodules, no guarding or tenderness
- Rebound Tenderness: Indication of irritation or inflammation somewhere
in the abdominal cavity.
Use the following technique in all four quadrants.
● Apply firm pressure for 4 seconds with the hand at a
90° angle and with the fingers extended.
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