abdo Flashcards
what to look for on inspection in an abdominal exam
skin abnormalities
surgical scars
masses
hernia
asymmetry
movement of abdominal wall - pulsation
stomas
patients position for examination
lying flat on couch
exposure of patient
waist upwards
what does the umbilicus look like in obesity
sunken
what does a distended and everted umbilicus indicate
umbilical hernia
what type of respiration is observed during rest
diaphragmatic respiration
what to remember whilst palpating the abdomen
- warn patient that it may feel uncomfortable - esp when doing deeper palpation (if they have pain anywhere start palpating in the furthest away region)
- look at patients face to check for pain
- palpate in an S shape
what to remember during liver and spleen palpation
ask patient to take a deep breath through their mouth- begin to palpate as they breath in
(keep hand still during inspiration)
INspiration –> push IN
what does a palpable liver indicate
hepatomegaly
where do you begin for liver and spleen palpation
right iliac fossa
what type of organ is the spleen
intraperitoneal organ
what section of the abdomen is the spleen in
left hypochondrium
what level is the spleen at
height of ribs 9-11
what does a palpable spleen indicate
splenomegaly
causes of splenomegaly
portal hypertension secondary to liver cirrhosis
glandular fever
infection
haemolytic anemia
congestive heart failure
splenic metastases
cause of bilaterally enlarged kidney
polycystic kidney disease
amyloidosis
cause of unilaterally enlarged kidney
renal tumour
what does tenderness during palpation suggest
peritonitis
anxiety
what is it called when patient contracts voluntarily when palpation causes pain
guarding
what are the signs and causes of rigidity
signs: reflex contraction / involuntary guarding, abdominal wall may not show any movements during respiration
cause: inflammation of parietal peritoneum
what are the signs and causes of rebound tenderness
signs: sharp stabbing pain when abdominal wall is compressed slowly then released
cause: generalised or local peritonitis
how should an abdominal aortic pulse auscultation look in a healthy individual
Pulsatile: hands move superiorly with each pulsation