Abdominal Examinations Flashcards
What should be observed during an abdominal examination?
Examine fingernails for cyanosis or clubbing, inspect arms for fluid, scars, lumps, bruising, or signs of IV drug use, inspect conjunctiva for jaundice or pallor, observe mouth and lips for cyanosis or pallor, assess abdominal contour for obesity or ascites, inspect abdominal skin for stretch marks or caput medusae, inspect umbilicus for herniation, and inspect the abdominal region for abnormal movements.
What is the normal rate of bowel sounds during auscultation?
Normal is 5-30 bowel sounds per minute.
Excessive bowel sounds is known as borborygmi.
What should be listened for during auscultation?
Listen for bowel sounds, bruits in the abdominal aorta, renal arteries, iliac arteries, and femoral arteries, and friction rubs over the liver and spleen.
What is the significance of dullness during percussion of the liver?
Dullness should not be present below the costal margin; it should be tympanic.
Normal liver size is 6-12 cm in the midclavicular line.
How is the splenic percussion sign performed?
Locate the 9th intercostal space, have the patient breathe in and hold, then begin percussion at that location. In a normal patient, the sound should still be tympanic.
What is the procedure for palpation during an abdominal examination?
Palpate lightly first, then deeper. Observe the patient’s face throughout and coordinate palpation with inhalation.
What does rebound tenderness evaluate?
Rebound tenderness is used to evaluate for peritonitis and can be very painful.
What does a positive McBurney’s test indicate?
A positive McBurney’s test indicates possible appendicitis.
What does Murphy’s sign indicate?
Murphy’s sign indicates possible cholecystitis.
What are fluid movement tests used for?
Fluid movement tests are used to evaluate for ascites that may or may not be visible.
