Abdomen Write-Up Reference II. Physical Examination A. Inspection Contour of abdomen: “(Flat or Rounded) abdominal contour” Vs. “(Scaphoid or Protuberant) abdominal contour” as may indicate malnutrition or obesity, distention from gas/air or ascites...
More
Abdomen Write-Up Reference II. Physical Examination A. Inspection Contour of abdomen: “(Flat or Rounded) abdominal contour” Vs. “(Scaphoid or Protuberant) abdominal contour” as may indicate malnutrition or obesity, distention from gas/air or ascites respectively See text Table 22.1, p. 559 for various abnormalities. **Stand on person’s right side & look down on abdomen. Then stoop or sit to gaze across abdomen. Your head should be slightly higher than abdomen. Determine profile from rib margin to pubic bone; contour describes nutritional state & normally ranges from flat to rounded. General symmetry: “Abdomen symmetric. No apparent bulges/masses.” Vs. “Bulging mass to (RLQ/RUQ/LUQ/LLQ, or umbilicus)” as with hernia, enlarged liver, spleen, or cancer. See text Table 22.4, p. 563 for various abnormalities. **Shine a light across abdomen toward you, or shine it lengthwise across the person; step to the foot of the exam table to recheck symmetry; ask person to take a deep breath &
Less
