Abdomen Assessment Protocol

A set of flashcards defining key terms related to abdomen assessment protocols and procedures.

Abdomen Assessment

A procedure to evaluate the condition of the abdomen following cardiovascular and peripheral vascular assessments.

Preparation of the Patient

The initial step in the abdomen assessment involving positioning, draping, and informing the patient.

Auscultation

The act of listening to internal sounds of the body, particularly bowel and vascular sounds using a stethoscope.

Normal Bowel Sounds

Bowel sounds that are active, present every 5 to 15 seconds.

Hyperactive Bowel Sounds

Bowel sounds that are characterized by consonant rushing, tickling, or tinkling.

Hypoactive Bowel Sounds

Bowel sounds that occur fewer than 5 times per minute.

Absent Bowel Sounds

No bowel sounds detected for a full 5 minutes.

Percussion

A technique used to assess the abdomen by tapping the surface to determine the underlying structure's consistency.

Tympany

A normal sound heard over the intestines indicating the presence of gas.

Dullness

A sound that may indicate the presence of a mass or organ during percussion.

Light Palpation

A gentle examination technique using the fingers to assess the abdomen for abnormalities.

Rebound Tenderness

A test for identifying peritoneal irritation, only performed if indicated.

Deep Palpation

A more vigorous examination technique using deeper pressure to assess for organ enlargement or masses.

Cubital Angle (CVA) Tenderness

Pain that may indicate renal inflammation, assessed by gently tapping the patient's back.

Final Assessment Summary

A comprehensive conclusion of findings from the abdomen assessment including inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation results.