NURS 190 PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT -
WEEK 7: ABDOMINAL ASSESSMENT
QUIZ
1. During an abdominal assessment, which is the correct order of techniques to prevent
altering the frequency of bowel sounds?
A. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
B. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
C. Inspection, Percussion, Auscultation, Palpation
D. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Auscultation is done second because percussion and palpation
can increase peristalsis, resulting in a false interpretation of bowel sounds.
2. A patient presents with sharp, well-localized pain in the abdomen that increases with
movement. Which type of pain is the patient most likely experiencing?
A. Visceral pain
B. Referred pain
C. Parietal pain
,D. Phantom pain
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Parietal pain stems from inflammation of the overlying
peritoneum; it is sharp, precisely localized, and aggravated by movement.
3. The nurse is percussing the abdomen and notes a dull sound in the Left Upper Quadrant
(LUQ) midaxillary line. What does this finding likely represent?
A. A normal air-filled stomach
B. A distended bladder
C. Fecal impaction in the descending colon
D. Splenic enlargement
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Dullness in the LUQ midaxillary line (Splenic Dullness) beyond
the 9th to 11th intercostal space often indicates splenomegaly.
4. Which of the following structures is located in the Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)?
A. Sigmoid colon
B. Duodenum
C. Cecum
D. Spleen
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The cecum, appendix, and right ovary/tube are primary
structures located in the RLQ.
5. A ‘scaphoid’ abdominal contour is best described as which of the following?
A. Rounded and distended
B. Flat and muscular
C. Bulging at the flanks
D. Sunken or concave
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A scaphoid abdomen caves in and is often associated with
malnutrition or thin frames.
6. When assessing for a bruit in the abdomen, the nurse should use which part of the
stethoscope?
A. The diaphragm
B. The bell
C. The earpieces only
D. Both diaphragm and bell simultaneously
Answer: B
WEEK 7: ABDOMINAL ASSESSMENT
QUIZ
1. During an abdominal assessment, which is the correct order of techniques to prevent
altering the frequency of bowel sounds?
A. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
B. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
C. Inspection, Percussion, Auscultation, Palpation
D. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Auscultation is done second because percussion and palpation
can increase peristalsis, resulting in a false interpretation of bowel sounds.
2. A patient presents with sharp, well-localized pain in the abdomen that increases with
movement. Which type of pain is the patient most likely experiencing?
A. Visceral pain
B. Referred pain
C. Parietal pain
,D. Phantom pain
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Parietal pain stems from inflammation of the overlying
peritoneum; it is sharp, precisely localized, and aggravated by movement.
3. The nurse is percussing the abdomen and notes a dull sound in the Left Upper Quadrant
(LUQ) midaxillary line. What does this finding likely represent?
A. A normal air-filled stomach
B. A distended bladder
C. Fecal impaction in the descending colon
D. Splenic enlargement
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Dullness in the LUQ midaxillary line (Splenic Dullness) beyond
the 9th to 11th intercostal space often indicates splenomegaly.
4. Which of the following structures is located in the Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ)?
A. Sigmoid colon
B. Duodenum
C. Cecum
D. Spleen
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The cecum, appendix, and right ovary/tube are primary
structures located in the RLQ.
5. A ‘scaphoid’ abdominal contour is best described as which of the following?
A. Rounded and distended
B. Flat and muscular
C. Bulging at the flanks
D. Sunken or concave
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A scaphoid abdomen caves in and is often associated with
malnutrition or thin frames.
6. When assessing for a bruit in the abdomen, the nurse should use which part of the
stethoscope?
A. The diaphragm
B. The bell
C. The earpieces only
D. Both diaphragm and bell simultaneously
Answer: B
