Abdominal Examination

Question 1

What is the order to follow for an abdominal examination?

Answer 1

Inspect, Palpate, Percuss, Auscultate

Question 2

Abdominal Examination Inspection

Answer 2

General
Hands - Clubbing
Liver Flap
Pulse
Eyes
Mouth
Lymph Nodes (Dont Forget Virchow’s)
Chest Wall
Abdomen

Question 3

Abdominal Examination Palpation

Answer 3

Generally:
All Nine Areas - starting at RIF. Palpate superficially then deep.
Organs:
Liver (Deep Breaths) - Perform Murphy’s if suspecting of Acute Cholecystitis
Spleen (Deep Breaths)
Kidneys (Ballotment)
Bladder
Aortic Pulse

Question 4

Abdominal Examination - Percussion

Answer 4

Liver - from below and above.
Spleen - Left Anterior Axillary Line when breathing deeply (Dull on Full Inspiration)
Bladder
Shifting Dullness if suspecting of ascites.

Question 5

Abdominal Examination - Auscultation

Answer 5

Bowel Sounds - Superior to Umbilicus
Aortic + Renal Bruit - Lateral to Umbilicus

Question 6

Abdominal Examination - Conclusion

Answer 6

ISHRUG
- Inguinal Nodes
- Stools
- Hernias (Femoral + Inguinal)
- Rectal Examination (Chaperone)
- Urine
- Genitalia (Chaperone)
Thank Patient - Ask them to redress and wash their hands.