How do we perform light palpation on the abdomen?
*Use first 4 fingers to depress the skin about 1 cm inside and move it in a rotation
motion, clockwise.
GI assessment order
*Inspect, auscultate, percuss, palpate
Why do we listen before we palpate the abdomen?
*So we do not disrupt or dislodge anything within the bowels.
What is voluntary guarding?
*Patient volitionally tenses the abdominal muscles when the examiner palpates.
What things do we feel for when palpating the abdomen?
*Organs, size, consistency, masses, temperature, tenderness, pain, mobility
Where do we percuss for kidney tenderness?
*On the posterior surface at the 12th rib at the CVA angle.
How do we percuss for kidney tenderness?
*Indirectly with a hand and fist. Look for signs of pain.
What are the signs of breast cancer?
*Lumps or masses felt in the breasts or axilla, movable lumps, dimpled or reddened
skin, tenderness to touch
What is the role of the RN during a male or female GU exam?
*Assist the provider with the exam by holding the patient, giving them tools,
collecting specimens and advocating for the patient.
Hypoactive bowel sounds are
*Sound every 5-6 seconds