What landmark divides the abdomen into quadrants?
Umbilicus
What organs are located in the RUQ?
Liver, gallbladder, duodenum, head of pancreas, part of ascending & transverse colon, right kidney.
What organs are located in the RLQ?
Cecum, appendix, right ovary & fallopian tube (female), right spermatic cord (male), right ureter.
What organs are located in the LUQ?
Stomach, spleen, pancreas, left adrenal gland, part of transverse & descending colon, left kidney.
What organs are located in the LLQ?
Sigmoid colon, descending colon, left ovary & fallopian tube (female), left spermatic cord (male), left ureter.
What is the correct order of abdominal assessment?
Inspection → Auscultation → Palpation
Why is auscultation done before palpation in abdominal assessment?
Palpation can stimulate peristalsis and alter bowel sounds.
What position should the patient be in for abdominal assessment?
Supine with head on pillow and knees slightly bent.
Expected skin findings on the abdomen?
Smooth, dry, even tone.
Expected variations of abdominal skin?
Moles, healed scars, silver striae.
Unexpected abdominal skin findings?
Lesions, bruising, dilated veins, purple striae, rashes, yellow skin (jaundice).
Expected abdominal contour?
Flat, slightly convex, or rounded.
Unexpected abdominal contour?
Distention or marked concavity.
Expected umbilicus findings?
Midline and inverted.
What can a protruding umbilicus indicate?
Hernia
Where should bowel sound auscultation begin?
Right lower quadrant (RLQ).
What produces bowel sounds?
Movement of air and fluid through intestines during peristalsis.
What are normal bowel sounds?
High-pitched gurgling, 5–34 sounds per minute.
What are hyperactive bowel sounds?
Loud, frequent (>34/min), often with diarrhea.
What are hypoactive bowel sounds?
Soft sounds occurring <5/min.
When are bowel sounds considered absent?
No sounds heard after listening for 5 minutes.
What does borborygmus mean?
Loud rumbling bowel sounds due to hyperperistalsis.
What associated symptoms should be assessed with abdominal pain?
Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, rectal bleeding, fever, fatigue.
What bowel questions should be asked?
Last bowel movement, stool color/consistency, changes in bowel habits.
