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Age-related Abdominal Changes
Aging adult shows decreased muscle tone, delayed gastric emptying, and impaired liver function
Abdominal Exam Sequence
Steps: Inspect, auscultate, percuss, palpate (light to deep)
Abdominal Quadrants
Divisions: Right Upper (RUQ), Left Upper (LUQ), Right Lower (RLQ), Left Lower (LLQ)
RUQ Organs
Organs: Liver, gallbladder, duodenum, pancreas head, right kidney
LUQ Organs
Organs: Stomach, spleen, left lobe of liver, pancreas body, left kidney
RLQ Organs
Organs: Cecum, appendix, right ovary, ureter, spermatic cord
LLQ Organs
Organs: Sigmoid colon, left ovary, ureter, spermatic cord
Bowel Sounds
Types: Normal, hypoactive, hyperactive; Listen in RLQ for initial assessment
Percussion in Abdomen
Expected findings: Tympany (air in intestines), dullness (solid organs, fluid)
Mass Identification
Characteristics: Location, size, shape, consistency, mobility, tenderness
Liver Palpation
Place hand under right costal margin, press deeply, feel for edge
Kidney Palpation
Use duck-bill position, press deeply in flank; Left kidney rarely palpable
Rebound Tenderness
Sign of peritoneal irritation; Apply pressure then release quickly, observe for pain
Inspection of Abdomen
Assess contour, symmetry, umbilicus, and skin; Look for bulges or masses
Aortic Aneurysm
Signs: Pulsating mass, bruit; Typically found below renal arteries
Hernia Types
Umbilical, epigastric, incisional; Protrusion of intestines through abdominal wall
Diastasis Recti
Separation of abdominal muscles, visible ridge along midline; Often seen in newborns
Light Palpation
Method: Press 1 cm deep, gentle rotating motion; Assesses surface characteristics
Deep Palpation
Method: Press 5-8 cm deep, moving clockwise; Detects organ enlargement
Auscultation Order
Begin in RLQ, listen in all quadrants; Use diaphragm lightly on skin
Hyperactive Bowel Sounds
Loud, rushing sounds; May indicate gastroenteritis, diarrhea, or bowel obstruction
Absent Bowel Sounds
Listen for 5 minutes; Sign of possible paralytic ileus or obstruction
Note 
Flashcard (22)