What is the assessment of the abdomen?

What is the assessment of the abdomen?

With abdominal assessment, you inspect first, then auscultate, percuss, and palpate. This order is different from the rest of the body systems, for which you inspect, then percuss, palpate, and auscultate.

What does a Peritonitic abdomen feel like?

The first symptoms of peritonitis are typically poor appetite and nausea and a dull abdominal ache that quickly turns into persistent, severe abdominal pain, which is worsened by any movement. Other signs and symptoms related to peritonitis may include: Abdominal tenderness or distention. Chills.

How do you assess for peritonitis?

How is peritonitis diagnosed?

1. X-rays. Imaging tests that make pictures of your body’s tissues, bones, and organs.
2. Blood, fluid, and urine tests. These tests are done to find out what is causing the infection.
3. CT scans (computed tomography scans).
4. MRI.
5. Surgery.

Can an abdominal aortic aneurysm be palpated?

In the physical examination of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), the only maneuver of demonstrated value is abdominal palpation to detect abnormal widening of the aortic pulsation. Palpation of AAA appears to be safe and has not been reported to precipitate rupture.

Why do we do abdominal assessment?

The purpose of the abdominal exam is to get more information that could indicate what is causing the patient’s symptoms. The physician gains information by inspecting, auscultating, palpating, and percussing the abdomen.

What is the most specific exam finding for diagnosing peritonitis?

Rigidity (involuntary contraction of the abdominal muscles) is the most specific exam finding for diagnosing peritonitis.

Can a diverticulum burst?

A diverticulum can rupture, and the bacteria within the colon can spread into the tissues surrounding the colon. This is then called diverticulitis. Constipation or diarrhea also may occur with the inflammation.

What exam finding would be most likely in a patient in which you suspect peritonitis with positive rebound tenderness?

In most patients—even those with generalized peritonitis and severe diffuse abdominal pain—the point of maximal tenderness or referred rebound tenderness roughly overlies the pathologic process (ie, the site of maximal peritoneal irritation). Most patients demonstrate increased abdominal wall rigidity.

How do you write an abdominal assessment?

Documentation of a basic, normal abdominal exam should look something along the lines of the following: Abdomen is soft, symmetric, and non-tender without distention. There are no visible lesions or scars. The aorta is midline without bruit or visible pulsation.