NUR 3275 Exam 2 Comprehensive Study Guide | 2026 Update with complete solutions.

NUR 3275 Exam 2 Comprehensive Study Guide | 2026 Update with complete solutions.

Abdominal, Musculoskeletal, Neurological, Respiratory, Cardiac & Peripheral
Vascular Assessment



ABDOMINAL ASSESSMENT
Assessment Order (Important Exam Question)
The abdomen is the ONLY body system assessed in this order:

1. Inspection
2. Auscultation
3. Percussion
4. Palpation

Why Auscultation Comes Before Palpation

Palpation and percussion can stimulate bowel sounds and alter findings.




INSPECTION OF THE ABDOMEN
Normal Findings
 Abdomen symmetrical
 Skin intact
 Umbilicus midline
 No masses
 No distention
 Flat, rounded, or slightly convex contour
 Even skin color

Abnormal Findings
Distention

Causes:

,  Pregnancy
 Obesity
 Ascites
 Tumor
 Gas

Hernia

 Protrusion through abdominal wall

Visible Pulsations

May indicate:

 Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

Scars

Document:

 Location
 Size
 Appearance




AUSCULTATION OF THE ABDOMEN
Normal Bowel Sounds
Frequency:
5–30 sounds/minute

Characteristics:

 Gurgles
 Clicks
 Soft rushing sounds

Listen in all four quadrants.




Abnormal Bowel Sounds

, Hyperactive

Sounds:

 Loud
 Frequent

Associated With:

 Diarrhea
 Gastroenteritis
 Early intestinal obstruction



Hypoactive

Sounds:

 Infrequent

Associated With:

 Postoperative ileus
 Constipation



Absent

No sounds after listening for 5 minutes.

Associated With:

 Paralytic ileus
 Peritonitis




PERCUSSION OF THE ABDOMEN
Normal
Tympany