Module 05: Anterior and Posterior Thorax (Part 02) Flashcards
When assessing the abdomen, what should be the sequence of assessment techniques?
(1) Inspection
(2) Auscultation
(3) Percussion
(4) Palpation
What are the nine (9) regions of the abdomen?
(1) Right hypochondriac region
(2) Left hypochondriac region
(3) Epigastric region
(4) Right lumbar region
(5) Left lumbar region
(6) Umbilical region
(7) Right iliac region
(8) Left iliac region
(9) Hypogastric region
How would you describe the sequence of assessment techniques when conducting the abdominal examination?
In abdominal assessment, AUSCULTATION COMES AFTER INSPECTION because bowel sounds could be affected in percussion and palpation.
This is characterized as solid.; found in areas like the liver, pancreas, spleen, adrenal glands. kidneys, ovaries, and uterus.
Visceral Solid
This is characterized as hollow; found in areas like the stomach, gallbladder.
Viscera Hollow
This lines the diaphragm, anterior and posterior abdominal wall (inferior includes the uterus, part of the bladder and part of the rectum).
Parietal Peritoneum
This lines the liver, stomach, small and large intestines.
Visceral Peritoneum
This medical condition is when the colon ruptures (similar to appendicitis); the leak in peritoneum can cause a severe type of ___________.
Peritonitis (The peritoneum is very sensitive to infection).
What are the different functions of the abdominal wall?
(1) Protect internal organs
(2) Allow normal compression of internal organs during functional activities: coughing and sneezing; urination and
defecation; childbirth
What are the three (3) muscle layers?
3 muscle layers extend from back, around flanks, to front: external and internal abdominus oblique, transverse
abdominus
What are the two (2) layers of fat?
(1) Visceral
(2) Subcutaneous
This fat layer is inside; it thickens when you eat a lot of carbohydrates and sweets.
Visceral Fat
This fat layer is outside; not as thick as visceral; grows bigger when you eat too much calories.
Subcutaneous Fat (As we get older, the subcutaneous and visceral thickens both ways)
Palpation of abdominal viscera depends on:
(1) Location
(2) Structural consistency
(3) Size
What should the nurse avoid palpating during the abdominal examination?
(1) Viscera normally NOT PALPABLE: pancreas, spleen, stomach, gallbladder, small intestine
(2) You CANNOT palpate kidney, only the tip of it on a VERY very skinny patient
This contains the abdominal aorta; right and left iliac arteries - which are responsible for supplying blood in the lower extremities.
Vascular structures
What are the four (4) quadrants?
(1) RUQ
(2) LUQ
(3) RLQ
(4) LLQ
What are the two (2) imaginary lines?
(1) Vertical or midline
(2) Horizontal or lateral
What should we use when listening to bowel sounds?
Four (4) quadrants
(1) We use this in listening in bowel sounds
(2) The middle point should be your UMBILICUS
(3) Patient should be laying down
How should the nurse interview the client?
(1) Collecting subjective data
(a) Interview approach (COLDSPA)
- History of current health problem, past health, family
- Pain level
(b) Lifestyle and health practice
- Eating patterns
- Bowel habits
What are the equipment and supplies needed for abdominal assessment?
(1) Small pillow
(2) Centimeter ruler, marking pen
(3) Stethoscope
(4) Gloves
(5) Hand sanitizer
(6) Extra towel or sheet for more cover
Enumerate the sequence of assessment.
(1) Inspect abdominal skin and overall contour and symmetry
(2) Auscultate after inspection and before percussion
(3) Percussion
(4) Palpation
How should the nurse inspect?
(1) Exam evaluates: skin, stomach, bowel, liver, kidneys, aorta, bladder
(2) Common abnormal findings: abdominal edema (ascites); abdominal masses (growths or constipation); unusual pulsations; pain
How should the nurse maintain patient privacy?
(1) Cover patient’s chest (especially for women)
(2) Expose abdomen from xiphoid process until above the pubis
(3) Cover lower part of the body with bed sheet/blanket
How should the nurse position the client?
(1) Supine position
(2) Knees slightly bent with pillow under the knees
(3) Arms on side or hands on chest