Question

The nursing process is a systematic continuous and dynamic method of providing care to clients which comprises of a series of sequential phases built upon the preceding step. Assessment is an important step of the whole nursing process. Explain how you would perform a focused abdominal assessment a new patient on your ward .

Answer 1

#. Order of Assessment of the abdomen

Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion and Palpation

step 1 Assessing the Abdomen

Look for visible pulsations, skin color, contour, lesions, rashes, scars, distension

step 2 assessment of abdomen

notice color, location, umbilicus

step 3 assessment of abdomen

note symmatry and color/contour of abdomen/ no aortic pulsations or persitaltlic waves visible

step 4 abdominal assessment

auscultate abdomen in all 4 quadrents while at the same time checking for bowel sounds (clicks and gurgles)

step 5 abdominal assessment

auscultate the abdomen for vascular sounds- includes the aorta, renal arteries, iliac arteries, femoral arteries. You shouldnt hear anything no swishing

step 6 abdominal assessnent

purcuss for abdomen tones over all 4 quadrant

step 7 abdomen assessment

palpate the abdomen in all 4 quadrants and then palpate using deep palpation technique if patient complains of pain in a particular area palpate that area last. We are looking for enlarged organs, masses or tenderness

step 8 abdomen assessment

palpate for kidneys on each side of the abdomen

step 9 abdomen assessment

palpate liver at right costal boarder

step 10 abdominal assessment

assess for rebound tenderness last if patient reports pain by pressing deeply and gently into abdomen and withdrawing hand rapidly

step 11 abdominal assessment

palpate for skin temperature, texture, presence of masses

step 12 abdomen assessment

palpate then auscultate the femoral pulses in the groin