To examine the abdomen of a child, start by doing a visual inspection:
Table of Contents
How do you assess pediatric abdomen?
To examine the abdomen of a child, start by doing a visual inspection:
- Examine the contour of the abdominal wall.
- Look for distension (may indicate constipation, ascites, organomegaly, or malignancy)
- Notice any pulsations.
- Look for asymmetry.
- Notice any peristalsis of the intestines.
- Notice any skin changes on the abdomen.
How do you assess a distended stomach?
Palpation and percussion are used to evaluate ascites. A rounded, symmetrical contour of the abdomen with bulging flanks is often the first clue. Palpation of the abdomen in the patient with ascites will often demonstrate a doughy, almost fluctuant sensation.
How do you document abdominal percussion?
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.
What is a focused abdominal assessment?
By asking specific questions about a patient’s gastrointestinal history and performing focused abdominal exam techniques for your adult patient, you will be able to assess for the slightest changes in gastrointestinal function. Alterations in your gastrointestinal assessment findings could indicate potential problems.
How do you describe abdominal mass?
An abdominal mass is a growth or swelling in a part of your abdomen. An abdominal mass can have many causes that range from harmless to life-threatening. Most abdominal masses are found during routine physical exams. They often develop slowly, and you may not be able to feel them yourself.
What should be included in an abdominal assessment?
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 questions do you ask for abdominal assessment?
Abdominal pain
- Does the patient use a single finger or spread the fingers and move the palm over much of the abdomen?
- What is the nature of the pain? Note body language.
- Are there any aggravating or relieving factors?
- How often is the pain felt and how long does it last?
- Is there radiation elsewhere?
What will the nurse assess during inspection of the abdomen?
The inspection of the abdomen includes looking for scars, striae, venous pattern, rashes, contour, symmetry, masses, peristalsis, and pulsations. Inspection is optimum with the patient lying flat on the examination table, breathing normally. As this is being done, note the comfort level of the patient.
How do you examine a mass?
How to describe a lump or mass
- Tenderness.
- Site.
- Size.
- Surface.
- Shape.
- Edge.
- Consistency.
- Fluid thrill.