9.1: Abdominal Assessment Introduction
Learning Objectives
- Perform an abdominal assessment
- Differentiate normal and abnormal bowel sounds
- Modify assessment techniques to reflect variations across the life span
- Document actions and observations
- Recognize and report significant deviations from norms
A thorough assessment of the abdomen provides valuable information regarding the function of a patient’s gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) systems. Understanding how to properly assess the abdomen and recognizing both normal and abnormal assessment findings will allow the nurse to provide high-quality care to the patient.
It is important for the nurse to be aware of the underlying structures of the abdomen when completing a gastrointestinal or genitourinary assessment. Know the position of the organs within the abdominal cavity as you learn to auscultate, palpate, and percuss the abdomen.