Abdominal Assessment Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What term describes bowel sounds occurring after a long interval?

Hypoactive bowel sounds (correct)

Absent bowel sounds

Normal bowel sounds

Hyperactive bowel sounds

What are hyperactive bowel sounds also called?

Borborygmi

Absent bowel sounds are identified if no sound is heard for 3 to 5 minutes.

True

The landmarks for abdominal assessment include 4 quadrants, a horizontal line through the ______, and a vertical line through the xiphoid process and symphysis pubis.

umbilicus Signup and view all the answers

List the steps to abdominal assessment.

During inspection, note the contour, skin, and movement of the abdomen. Observe the patient at eye level from the side, from the foot of the bed, and from directly over the abdomen. Signup and view all the answers

What type of bowel sounds are characterized by increased frequency and loudness?

Hyperactive bowel sounds Signup and view all the answers

What structures are found in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen?

Liver, gallbladder, duodenum, head of pancreas, right adrenal gland, upper lobe of right kidney, ascending colon, transverse colon. Signup and view all the answers

What structures are found in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen?

Left lobe of liver, most of the stomach, spleen, upper lobe of left kidney, pancreas, left adrenal gland, transverse colon, descending colon. Signup and view all the answers

What structures are found in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen?

Lower lobe of right kidney, cecum, appendix, ascending colon, right ovary, fallopian tube, ureter, spermatic cord, part of the uterus. Signup and view all the answers

What structures are found in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen?

Lower lobe of left kidney, sigmoid colon, descending colon, left ovary, left fallopian tube, left ureter, left spermatic cord, part of uterus if enlarged. Signup and view all the answers

What sounds will you hear while auscultating the abdomen?

Gurgling and swishing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bowel Sounds

Hypoactive Bowel Sounds: Occur infrequently with sounds heard after long intervals; normal range is 5 to 34 sounds per minute.
Hyperactive Bowel Sounds: Also known as borborygmi, characterized by frequent sounds indicative of increased intestinal activity.
Absent Bowel Sounds: No sound detected over a 3 to 5-minute period suggests potential abdominal pathology.

Abdominal Assessment Landmarks

Four quadrants created by intersecting horizontal line through the umbilicus and vertical line via xiphoid process and symphysis pubis serve as key landmarks.

Steps for Abdominal Assessment

Inspection: Observe abdominal contour, skin, and movements from various angles (eye level, foot of the bed, directly above). Use lighting to highlight subtle changes.
Assessment Terms: Contours may be flat, rounded, protuberant, or scaphoid; assess for signs of ascites (indicated by protuberance and firmness).
Auscultation: Should precede palpation/percussion to avoid altering bowel motility. Normal sounds are irregular tinkling/gurgling every 5 to 20 seconds.
- Borborygmus: Reflects increased peristalsis; commonly noted before meals as "stomach growling," linked to factors like diarrhea or intestinal obstruction.
Percussion: Helps locate non-palpable organs, identifies masses; tympanic sounds indicate air in intestines, dull sounds indicate solid organs like the spleen.
Palpation: Conduct light palpation first to detect pain; deep palpation assesses any unusual masses or enlarged organs (e.g., liver). A relaxed abdomen is crucial for an accurate assessment.

Abdominal Quadrants

Upper Right Quadrant: Contains liver, gallbladder, duodenum, head of pancreas, right adrenal gland, upper lobe of right kidney, ascending colon, and part of the transverse colon.
Upper Left Quadrant: Includes left lobe of liver, majority of stomach, spleen, upper lobe of left kidney, pancreas, left adrenal gland, and segments of transverse and descending colon.
Lower Right Quadrant: Houses the lower lobe of right kidney, cecum, appendix, ascending colon, right ovary, fallopian tube, ureter, spermatic cord, and possibly part of the uterus.
Lower Left Quadrant: Consists of lower lobe of left kidney, sigmoid colon, descending colon, left ovary, fallopian tube, ureter, spermatic cord, and possibly part of the uterus if enlarged.

Auscultation Sounds

Characterized by gurgling and swishing, indicating normal bowel activity and movement.

Description

Test your knowledge on key terms and definitions related to abdominal assessments, especially focusing on bowel sounds. This quiz covers terms like hypoactive, hyperactive, and absent bowel sounds, providing important information for clinical practice.