A nurse inspects the abdomen for skin color, surface characteristics, and surface movement. What part of the abdominal assessment does the nurse perform next?
A) Light palpation for tenderness and muscle tone
B) Ausculation of the bowel sounds in all four quadrants
C) Deep palpation for masses or aortic pulsation
D) Percussion for tones in all four quadrants

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Auscultation for bowel sounds occurs before palpating and percussing the abdomen. Palpating lightly for tenderness and muscle tone is performed after auscultation. Palpating deeply for masses or aortic pulsation is performed after light palpation. Percussion for tones is performed after palpation.

A Nurse Inspects the Abdomen for Skin Color, Surface Characteristics