Gastrointestinal/Genitourinary Flashcards
positioning for the abdominal examination
lie flat on the couch in supine position
you can relax the abdominal musculature by?
head of the patient may be raised slightly by adjusting the headrest of the couch or by adding a pillow under the head
exposure of the patient for the abdominal exam
entire abdomen is exposed from the xiphisternal joint to the pubic symphysis
why might some physicians tend to do the auscultation before any palpation or percussion?
in order to prevent the bowel sounds being disturbed by deep palpation
you should visually inspect the abdomen for?
shape of the abdomen, skin abnormalities, surgical scars, masses, hernias, movements of the abdominal wall with respiration, and for any asymmetry
During inspiration, what happens in the abdomen?
abdominal wall moves out and the liver, spleen and the kidneys move downwards
Distended and everted umbilicus may indicate?
umbilical hernia`
Abnormally enlarged veins on the anterior abdominal wall indicate?
portal hypertension or an obstructed inferior vena cava
define ascites
fluid collection in peritoneal cavity
how to do light palpation of the abdomen
patient is asked to flex the hip & knee joints to relax the anterior abdominal wall muscles > palm of the hand should be moulding over the abdominal surface while the fingers flex at the metacarpophalangeal joints > look for tender areas and any lumps in the abdominal wall structure in each region > ask the patient to show you where any pain is present, and to report any tenderness during palpation > you will observe the patient’s face for any discomfort.
how to do deep palpation of the abdomen
use both hands where the upper hand is used to exert pressure, while the lower hand is used to feel the organs or masses much deeper in the abdominal cavity
For palpation of edges of organs (liver, spleen) or masses, what is the most sensitive?
lateral (radial) surface of the forefinger (index finger)
what signs should you watch out for in palpation?
tenderness
guarding of the abdomen
rigidity of the abdomen
rebound tenderness
Tenderness with minimal pressure over a wider area of the abdomen may be due to?
peritonitis
anxiety of the patient
voluntary guarding
abdominal wall tends to contract voluntarily when palpation causes pain
involuntary guarding
When there is inflammation of the parietal peritoneum, the abdominal wall muscles undergo a reflex contraction
what is rebound tenderness?
In patients with generalised or localised peritonitis, if the abdominal wall is compressed slowly, and then released suddenly they will experience a sharp stabbing pain.
can you palpate the liver edge in a healthy adult person?
no
if you feel the liver edge, you should describe it in terms of?
smooth or irregular
soft or hard
tenderness?
pulsations?
how to palpate the liver
start at right iliac fossa w/ index finger parallel to right costal margin > apply pressure > patient taking deep breaths > still during inspiration > during expiration move 1cm closer to the costal margin > keep going