Abdomen

Equipment Needed

• Stethoscope
• Measuring tape

What to Say to the Patient

• "I'm going to look at, listen to, and then press on your belly. Let me know if anything is tender."

Inspection Steps

• Contour, symmetry, scars, distension
• Visible peristalsis or pulsations

Palpation Steps

• Light palpation all 4 quadrants first
• Deep palpation for masses/tenderness
• Liver/spleen edge
• Rebound/guarding if concerning

Percussion Steps

• Percuss all 4 quadrants for tympany/dullness
• Liver span
• Shifting dullness if ascites suspected

Auscultation Steps

• Auscultate bowel sounds in all 4 quadrants BEFORE palpation/percussion

Normal Findings

• Bowel sounds normoactive
• Soft, non-tender, no masses
• Tympany predominant

Abnormal Findings

• Absent/hyperactive bowel sounds
• Rebound tenderness, guarding (peritoneal signs)
• Palpable masses/organomegaly
• Rigid abdomen

Common Mistakes

• Palpating before auscultating
• Not warming hands/stethoscope
• Missing rebound tenderness assessment when indicated

Documentation Example

Abdomen soft, non-tender, non-distended. Bowel sounds normoactive in all 4 quadrants. No masses or organomegaly.