NSE 13A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Abdominal Examination, Abdominal Pain, Hematemesis
Document Summary
The four quadrants: right and left upper quadrants, right and left lower quadrants. Liver, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands, ovaries, and uterus: hollow viscera. Food intolerances: pyrosis, abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, hematemesis, bowel habits, melena. Sign of occult blood: constipation, abdominal history, medications, nutritional assessment, alcohol and tobacco. Safe sex: drink in moderation, acetaminophen and alcohol. Supine position with head on pillow, hands at side and knees bent. Physical assessment: order of physical assessment techniques for abdominal system. Umbilicus is mid-line and inverted with no signs of discolouration, inflammation or hernia. High pitched gurgling sounds with normal frequency heard in all four quadrants. Stand at side and foot of bed: bulging/masses. Skin: texture, scars, colour, lesions, dilated veins, rash & striae. Pulsation or movement: umbilicus, hair distribution, demeanor. Auscultation: bowel sounds, diaphragm of stethoscope, auscultation pattern, begin at right lower quadrant (rlq) at ileocecal valve, note character, high pitched, gurgling, note frequency, normal, hypoactive, or hyperactive.
