Abdominal Assessment Review Flashcards

A set of flashcards to help review key concepts and components of abdominal assessment.

What is the order of abdominal assessment techniques?

Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation.

What should be inspected during an abdominal examination?

Shape, contour, skin, scars, symmetry, movements.

What are the four quadrants of the abdomen?

Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ), Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ), Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ), Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ).

Which symptoms should be asked about during a gastrointestinal history?

Abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, rectal bleeding.

What does OPQRST stand for in history taking?

Onset, provoking factors, quality, radiation, severity, time.

What are key symptoms to explore related to dysphagia?

Difficulty or pain on swallowing solids versus liquids.

What type of vomit indicates lower GI obstruction?

Bilious vomit or fecal matter.

What is Cullen's sign indicative of?

Acute peritonitis, ectopic pregnancy, retroperitoneal bleed.

What does a high-pitched bowel sound suggest?

Early stages of bowel obstruction.

What is Murphy's sign associated with?

Acute cholecystitis.

What should the palpation of a kidney reveal if normal?

Not easily palpable and non-tender.

What sign indicates splenic rupture or hematoma?

Ballance's sign.

What are the recommended imaging techniques for suspected bowel obstruction in children?

Abdominal x-ray.

What should be assessed in a nutritional assessment?

Diet adequacy, food preferences/dislikes, access to food, cultural dietary practices.

Why is auscultation important in an abdominal assessment?

To listen for bowel sounds and bruits.

What position should the patient be in for abdominal examination?

Supine.

What indicates a patient might have cholecystitis when palpating the gallbladder?

Pain and inspiratory arrest during palpation.

What does the presence of frank red blood in stool suggest?

Anal fissure, hemorrhoids, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).