Contents
This article provides a very brief overview of abdominal examination. For a detailed walkthrough, please see the Abdominal Examination article
Introduction
- Wash hands
- Check patient name/DOB/hospital number
- Introduce- “My name is…”
- Consent – Explain what your going to do;
- “I am going to have a look and a feel of your hands, face and abdomen. Is that ok?”
- Chaperone
- Confidentiality
- Position – supine – lying flat on back on the bed
Inspection
- General (at end of bed): Medication, Discomfort, Abdomen Distended, Jaundice, Tattoos, Scars
- Hands: Clubbing, Leuconychia, Koilonychia , Palmar Erythema Asterixis (Flapping tremor)
- Face &Neck: Angular stomatitis , Glossitis , JVP, Lymph Nodes
- Chest: Spider naevi, Gynaecomastia, Ascites
Palpation
- Ask patient if they have any areas of discomfort, if yes begin palpation away from this area &proceed cautiously.
- Light & Deep- Palpate each region assessing for masses or abnormalities (See Diagram)
- Liver, Kidneys, Spleen
Auscultation
- Bowel Sounds
- Renal Bruits
Conclusion
- ·“To conclude I would like to examine the external genitalia, hernial orifices, assess for ankle oedema, and perform a per rectal (PR) exam and urine dipstick.
- Thank patient
- Cover up and check the patient is comfortable
Abdominal quadrants and regions
The abdomen can be divided into 4 quadrants or 9 regions as per the image below:
