What is a tympanic abdomen?
Tympanitic (drum-like) sounds produced by percussing over air filled structures. Dull sounds that occur when a solid structure (e.g. liver) or fluid (e.g. ascites) lies beneath the region being examined.
What is the proper sequence for abdominal assessment?
The examination is conducted in a predetermined sequence starting from observation and then sequentially performing auscultation, palpation, and percussion (see images below) followed by ancillary maneuvers.
What are normal abdominal percussion sounds?
The anterior gas-filled abdomen normally has a tympanitic sound to percussion, which is replaced by dullness where solid viscera, fluid, or stool predominate. The flanks are duller as posterior solid structures predominate, and the right upper quadrant is somewhat duller over the liver.
What is the purpose of an abdominal assessment?
Purpose. The purpose of the abdominal exam is to get more information that could indicate what is causing the patient’s symptoms. The physician gains information by inspecting, auscultating, palpating, and percussing the abdomen.
How do you describe a distended stomach?
Abdominal distension occurs when substances, such as air (gas) or fluid, accumulate in the abdomen causing its expansion. It is typically a symptom of an underlying disease or dysfunction in the body, rather than an illness in its own right. People suffering from this condition often describe it as “feeling bloated”.
Where is tympany heard in the abdomen?
Tympany is typically heard over air-filled structures such as the small intestine and the large intestine. Dullness is typically heard over fluid or solid organs such as the liver or spleen, which can be used to determine the margins of the liver and spleen.
Why the abdomen is divided into smaller areas?
Since the abdominal area contains many different organs it is divided in smaller areas. This method divides the abdomen into four quadrants. Medical personnel can easily refer to these quadrants when describing pain or injury regarding a victim.
What causes high stomach pain?
Certain foods can cause severe stomach pain by causing stomach cramps. If you have an ulcer, foods that require vigorous motion to digest or foods that contain acid can cause severe stomach pain. Additionally, foods that are hard may also cause cramps. High lactose or high fiber foods, as well as tough meats, can also cause severe abdominal pain.
What causes sharp pain in the abdomen?
Stomach pain, or abdominal pain can be irritating and may feel like cramping, however the condition is usually a sign of a common illness or infection. Causes for dull or sharp pain in the abdomen include a viral infection, indigestion, a stomach ulcer, IBS, or food poisoning.
When is stomach pain and is not an emergency?
Having abdominal pain can be intense, uncomfortable, as well as concerning, but it is not always considered an emergency. If you have cramps, bloating, constipation, or a stomach bug, it might pass with rest, some easy to digest foods, over the counter pain relievers, fluids, and a heating pad.
Why does my right side of my stomach hurt?
Pain in the right-side of the stomach may be caused by an ovarian cyst. Both the gallbladder and the appendix are located on the right side, so pain could indicate a problem with either organ. Appendicitis from an inflamed appendix can cause right-side stomach pain.
