Outline:
Section 1: Introduction

About This Course

Learning Objectives

Section 2: The Basics of Abdominal Assessment

Sam’s Chief Complaint

Abdominal Exam: Gathering the Supplies and Taking a Good History

Interviewing the Patient: Duration and Timing, Factors, and Location of Symptoms

Interviewing the Patient: Associated Symptoms and Past Medical History

Interviewing the Patient: Medications, Contraception, and Social Habits

Sensitive Subject Matter

Details Matter

Maintaining Privacy for the Patient

Review

Summary

Section 3: Starting Your Exam: Inspection and Visualization

Appearance of the Abdomen: Contour and Symmetry

The Skin Surface

Pulsations, Movement, and Distension

Review

Summary

Section 4: Auscultation, Percussion, and Palpation

Navigating the Abdomen

Bowel Sounds

Bruits, Hums, and Rubs

Percussion: The Basics

Normal Sounds of Percussion

Knowledge Check

The Liver

The Spleen

The Kidneys and the Aorta

The Lower Abdomen

Do I Need this Skill?

Positioning the Patient for Palpation

Other Considerations: Lymph Nodes, Age, and Medical Conditions

Review

Summary

Section 5: Abdominal Pain, Diagnostic Testing, and the Abdominal Organs

Abdominal Pain and Diagnostic Testing

Assessing the Left Upper Quadrant

Assessing the Right Upper Quadrant

The Lower Abdomen

Assessing the Left Lower Quadrant of the Abdomen

Assessing the Right Lower Quadrant of the Abdomen

Common Causes of Pain in the Right Lower Quadrant of the Abdomen

Knowledge Check

Less Common Causes of Abdominal Pain

Acute and Non-Acute Abdominal Symptoms

Review

Summary

Section 6: Conclusion

Summary

Course Contributors

Resources

References

Congratulations!

Elizabeth Kellerman MSN, RN started in nursing in 2007 after graduating from Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California. While working in a critical care unit at Sutter Mills-Peninsula Hospital she earned her CCRN and TNCC. Her experience and knowledge led her to nursing education where she taught at a community college while working to receive her Master's in Nurse Education at Western Carolina University. As a nursing instructor, she spent time in many types of care settings including medical-surgical inpatient and community living centers. Her passion for education and training has most recently led her to a position as subject matter expert and content writer for Relias. Disclosure: Elizabeth Kellerman, MSN, RN has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.

Mrs. Cobb is a Content Writer for Public Safety and Health and Human Services at Relias. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies and a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. Mrs. Cobb has 24 years of experience working in criminal and juvenile justice. She has worked in direct service positions as well as in research, training, and technical assistance capacities. She was the statewide evaluator for the Commonwealth of Kentucky for adult, juvenile, and family drug courts; a Research Associate for the American Probation & Parole Association providing training and technical assistance to Native American Nations/Alaska Native Villages on systemic criminal and juvenile justice initiatives; and a Research Administrator for the University of Kentucky managing federal, state, and foundation grants awarded to the College of Medicine, Behavioral Science department, Center for Drug and Alcohol Research, and Kentucky Rural Medical Centers.

 

Disclosure: Kimberly Cobb, M.S. has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.