Abdominal Examination

Question 1

Name THREE things to look for when doing a visual inspection of the abdomen

Answer 1

• Linea Negra
• Striae Gravidarum
• Abdominal Scars

Question 2

Name the THREE aspects of palpation

Answer 2

• Funal
• Lateral
• Pelvic

Question 3

What TWO things are being assessed during fundal palpation?

Answer 3

• Fundal height / size of the uterus in relation to gestation
• To determine which part of the fetus is lying in the upper pole of the uterus

Question 4

At week gestation should the fundus be located around the umbilicus?

Answer 4

Around 24 weeks

Question 5

Name NINE possible reasons of inconsistency of fundal height

Answer 5

• Unreliable landmarks
• Inaccurate dates
• Larger or smaller fetus than expected
• Increase or decrease in amniotic fluid
• Multiple pregnancy
• Abnormal lie
• Uterine mass (fibroid, cyst or tumour)
• Poor technique
• Intrauterine death

Question 6

What TWO things are being assess during lateral palpation?

Answer 6

• The position of the fetus

- The lie of the fetus

Question 7

What THREE things are being assessed during pelvic palpation?

Answer 7

• Flexion
• Engagement
• Mobility of the presenting part

Question 8

Name the FIVE main types of presentation

Answer 8

• Vertex
• Brow
• Face
• Breech
• Shoulder

Question 9

How many fifths palpable is a head when it is considered engaged?

Answer 9

Two fifths palpable

Question 10

What is considered a normal fetal heart rate range?

Answer 10

110-160bpm

Question 11

What is the lie?

Answer 11

The long axis of the fetus to the long axis of the uterus

Question 12

What is the attitude?

Answer 12

The relationship of fetal parts to another. The posture can be one of flexion, deflexion or extension

Question 13

What is the presentation?

Answer 13

The part of the fetus lying in the lower pole of the uterus

Question 14

What is the position?

Answer 14

The relationship of the denominator to the 6 areas of the pelvic brim

Question 15

What is the denominator?

Answer 15

The part of the presentation that indicates or determines the position