Gastrointestinal Health Assessment

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What is the primary purpose of emptying the bladder before a physical examination of the abdomen?

To prepare for a possible surgical procedure

To reduce discomfort during the examination

To avoid chilling and tensing of muscles (correct)

To facilitate the insertion of a catheter

What is the term for the protrusion of abdominal viscera through an abnormal opening in the muscle wall?

Abdominal tensing

Hernia (correct)

Sister Mary Joseph nodule

Peritonitis

Why should the stethoscope endpiece be warmed before examining the abdomen?

To improve the accuracy of the examination

To improve the patient's comfort

To reduce the risk of infection

To avoid muscle guarding (correct)

What is the term for a hard nodule in the umbilicus that occurs with metastatic cancer of the stomach, large intestine, or ovary?

Sister Mary Joseph nodule Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of inspecting the symmetry of the abdomen during a physical examination?

To note any localized bulging or asymmetric shape Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order of examination during a physical examination of the abdomen?

Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for the change in percussion note from tympanic to dull as you reach the fluid level?

The change in density of the abdominal contents Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the umbilicus in rebound tenderness?

It is the site of initial pain Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of asking the patient to raise their right thigh against your hand in the psoas sign?

To contract the psoas muscle Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of rolling the patient onto their right side during the shifting dullness test?

To allow the fluid to gravitate to the dependent side Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of a normal response in rebound tenderness?

No pain on release of pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of percussing down the side of the abdomen during the shifting dullness test?

To detect the presence of ascites Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern related to appetite in this context?

Loss of appetite Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of palpating the abdomen?

To delineate the liver edge, kidneys, and abdominal masses Signup and view all the answers

During palpation of the liver, which of the following is NOT a normal finding?

Feeling a mass in the RUQ Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of inquiring about food intolerance?

To identify foods that trigger digestive issues Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the hooking technique in palpating the liver?

To feel the liver edge bump the fingertips Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to ask about nausea and vomiting?

To identify the severity of digestive issues Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of inquiring about bowel habits?

To assess the patient's overall digestive health Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for palpating the spleen?

To diagnose splenomegaly Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to ask about medication use?

To identify potential medication interactions Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of an enlarged spleen?

It is soft and friable Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'duckbill' position in palpating the right kidney?

To press the two hands together firmly Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of inquiring about the patient's vices?

To identify potential contributors to digestive issues Signup and view all the answers

In an adult, what is a common condition associated with the development of a hernia?

Chronic intrathoracic pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the fluid wave test in assessing for ascites?

To identify the presence of fluid in the abdomen Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a positive fluid wave test?

A distinct tap on the left hand Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic presentation of a diastasis recti?

A midline longitudinal ridge Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended course of action for a mos hernia in a child?

Observing for spontaneous resolution by 1 year Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal width of the aortic pulsation in the adult?

2.5 to 4 cm Signup and view all the answers

What is the diagnostic maneuver used to reveal an incisional hernia?

Increasing intra-abdominal pressure by a sit-up Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a negative fluid wave test?

No change in the abdomen Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a diastasis recti?

It is not clinically significant Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic presentation of an epigastric hernia?

A small, fatty nodule at the midline epigastrium Signup and view all the answers