Pregnant Abdomen Examination

Question 1

What do you need to include in the opening of the consultation?

Answer 1

ensure dignity - chaperone and blanket
may be uncomfortable but shouldn’t be painful
have you emptied you bladder
cushion under the right bum cheek

Question 2

what inspection is done?

Answer 2

from the end of bed

abdomen

Question 3

how do you palpate the fundus?

Answer 3

between the palms of both hands

identify the upper pole

Question 4

how do you palpate the body?

Answer 4

down the body of the uterus
one hand to stabilise the uterus
locate the back side and the limb side
roll one handover the shoulder to determine the lie

Question 5

how do you palpate the vertex?

Answer 5

identify the lower pole/head

one hand

Question 6

how do you assess engagement?

Answer 6

facing mothers feet
vertex palpated with both hands
<2/5 felt - engaged

Question 7

how do you auscultate the fetal heart rate?

Answer 7

pinard - no hands
sonicaid - lube
listen on baby’s back

Question 8

How do you measure fundal height?

Answer 8

top of fundus to pubic symphysis
clean the tape first
document on height chart

Question 9

if you need to present your findings, what would you say?

Answer 9

inspection
lie - longitudinal, transverse, oblique
presentation - cephalic, breech
engagement
foetal heart rate and maternal pulse
fundal height