10. ABDOMEN
75. Assess:
A. client's history of abdominal problems like
indigestion, flatulence, gastric and duodenal
ulcers.
B. for history of appendectomy.
C. Ask about the client's eating pattern and
appetite. Ask about bowel movement
frequency, stool color, and stool shape.
D. Ask about the client's urinary pattern and
history of incontinence.
76. Position and drape the client
appropriately
77. Inspect the general contour of the
abdomen noting for color, scars, striae,
rashes, lesions, masses, shape and
symmetry.
78. Inspect the four guadrants and observe
for pulsations. Note for the abdominal aorta.
(If pulsations are visibly strong, do not
palpate nor percuss. Report immediately to
the nurse in-charge)
79. Auscultate the abdomen methodically
from quadrant to quadrant in a clockwise
fashion
noting
for
bowel
sounds
(borborygmi). Count the clicks heard for one
minute. Note if it is normoactive, hypoactive
or hyperactive. Listen for vascular sounds
and friction rubs along the abdominal aorta,
renal, and iliac arteries.
80. Percuss methodically from quadrant to
quadrant and note for tympani and dullness.
81. Percuss the liver and spleen noting for
sound to determine the size.
82. Palpate lightly for abdominal tenderness,
surface characteristics, and lymph nodes
83. Palpate deeply for abdominal mass and
note for tenderness. Palpate the organs
(liver, spleen, kidneys, aorta, bladder) noting
for tenderness, mass and size). NOTE: If the
client complains of pain, assess the painful
area last.