Abdomen - Condensed

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