NUR 505 Module 9 Study Guide 2026 | Abdominal Assessment, GI Disorders,
Advanced Examination Skills & Exam Prep PDF | University of Alabama
The University of Alabama
Capstone College of Nursing
NUR 505 Advanced Health Assessment
Module 9 Abdomen Study Guide
1. Identify the nine regions of the ABD.
1. Epigastric
2. Umbilical
3. Hypogastric
4. Right Hypochondriac
5. Left Hypochondriac
6. Right Lumbar
7. Left Lumbar
8. Right Inguinal
9. Left Inguinal
2. Complete the Percussion Note Table
Note Description Location
Tympany Loud intensity, High Over air-filled viscera,
pitch, Moderate such as the gastric
duration, Drumlike bubble.
quality. It is a musical
note of higher pitch
than resonance.
, Hyperresonance Very loud intensity, Low Air-filled lungs, such as
pitch, Long duration, in emphysema, and the
Boomlike quality. The base of the left lung.
(Note: This is generally
pitch lies between considered an abnormal
tympany and resonance. sound).
Resonance Loud intensity, Low Healthy lung tissue, and
pitch, Long duration, sometimes over the
Hollow quality. A abdomen.
sustained note of
moderate pitch.
Dullness Soft to moderate Over solid organs
intensity, Moderate to adjacent to air-filled
high pitch, Moderate structures, such as
duration, Thud-like the liver.
quality. A short, high-
pitched note with little
resonance.
3. Complete the Exam Table
The following table completes the abdominal examination checklist, providing concise expected
and unexpected findings derived from the sources:
Organ Assessment Expected Unexpected Findings and Possible
Technique Findings Indications
Liver Percussion: Liver span A span greater than 12 cm suggests liver
typically enlargement. Dullness above the fifth
measures intercostal space suggests upward
approximately 6 displacement (e.g., from abdominal fluid
to 12 cm (2.5 to or masses). A lower border more than 2
4.5 inches) at to 3 cm below the costal margin may
the indicate enlargement or downward
midclavicular displacement (e.g., due to emphysema).
line. Liver
dullness usually
starts at the
fifth intercostal
space (upper
border) and is
found at or
slightly below
the costal
margin (lower
border).
Advanced Examination Skills & Exam Prep PDF | University of Alabama
The University of Alabama
Capstone College of Nursing
NUR 505 Advanced Health Assessment
Module 9 Abdomen Study Guide
1. Identify the nine regions of the ABD.
1. Epigastric
2. Umbilical
3. Hypogastric
4. Right Hypochondriac
5. Left Hypochondriac
6. Right Lumbar
7. Left Lumbar
8. Right Inguinal
9. Left Inguinal
2. Complete the Percussion Note Table
Note Description Location
Tympany Loud intensity, High Over air-filled viscera,
pitch, Moderate such as the gastric
duration, Drumlike bubble.
quality. It is a musical
note of higher pitch
than resonance.
, Hyperresonance Very loud intensity, Low Air-filled lungs, such as
pitch, Long duration, in emphysema, and the
Boomlike quality. The base of the left lung.
(Note: This is generally
pitch lies between considered an abnormal
tympany and resonance. sound).
Resonance Loud intensity, Low Healthy lung tissue, and
pitch, Long duration, sometimes over the
Hollow quality. A abdomen.
sustained note of
moderate pitch.
Dullness Soft to moderate Over solid organs
intensity, Moderate to adjacent to air-filled
high pitch, Moderate structures, such as
duration, Thud-like the liver.
quality. A short, high-
pitched note with little
resonance.
3. Complete the Exam Table
The following table completes the abdominal examination checklist, providing concise expected
and unexpected findings derived from the sources:
Organ Assessment Expected Unexpected Findings and Possible
Technique Findings Indications
Liver Percussion: Liver span A span greater than 12 cm suggests liver
typically enlargement. Dullness above the fifth
measures intercostal space suggests upward
approximately 6 displacement (e.g., from abdominal fluid
to 12 cm (2.5 to or masses). A lower border more than 2
4.5 inches) at to 3 cm below the costal margin may
the indicate enlargement or downward
midclavicular displacement (e.g., due to emphysema).
line. Liver
dullness usually
starts at the
fifth intercostal
space (upper
border) and is
found at or
slightly below
the costal
margin (lower
border).
