Abdominal Assessment Flashcards
1
Q
Inspection
A
- look for size, shape, symmetry
- distension: gas, fluid
- assymetry: fetus, hernia, tumor, stool
2
Q
Auscultation
A
- listen to all four quadrants
- peristalsis is present in all four
3
Q
Palpation
A
Light palpation
-examine tenderness or painful areas
4
Q
Percussion
A
Fluid (flat)
Air (tympany)
Masses (dullness)
5
Q
Hyperactive
A
Loud gurgling - hunger or diarrhea
High pitched and tinkling - fluid under pressure (early stages of obstruction)
6
Q
Hypoactive
A
Soft and low - may occur with peritoneal irritation or paralytic ileus (normal after first few hours of surgery with anesthesia)
7
Q
Absent
A
No sounds audible in 3-5mins - report immediately, may signal paralytic ileus, peritonitis or obstruction
