Assessment Techniques in Nursing

These flashcards cover key terminology and definitions related to assessment techniques in nursing, particularly focusing on abdominal examinations.

Murphy sign

A test that determines inspiratory arrest in a patient with cholecystitis; a positive test indicates sharp pain upon palpation of the liver.

Auscultation

The act of listening to internal body sounds; in this context, it refers to listening for bowel sounds.

Bowel sounds

High-pitched gurgling sounds occurring from 5 to 30 times per minute; a 'silent' abdomen is uncommon.

Umbilicus

The navel; in a healthy individual, it is midline and inverted, but can be everted due to ascites.

Ascites

Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, causing the umbilicus to become everted.

Umbilical hernia

Protrusion of omentum or intestine through a weakness in the umbilical ring, commonly seen in premature infants.

Diastasis recti

Separation of the abdominal rectus muscles, often revealed by intra-abdominal pressure.

Solid viscera

Organs that maintain a characteristic shape; includes the liver, ovaries, and kidneys.

Hollow viscera

Organs whose shape depends on their contents; includes the stomach and colon.

Incisional hernia

A bulge near an old operative scar, usually evident when increasing intra-abdominal pressure.