Final answer:
The correct order for a nurse to perform an abdominal examination is inspection, auscultation, and palpation. This sequence minimizes disturbances of the abdominal contents, starting with non-invasive observation and ending with palpation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct order in which a nurse should perform an examination of the abdomen is inspection, auscultation, and palpation. This sequence ensures that the process is as non-intrusive as possible, where each step is progressively more invasive than the last. Starting with inspection, the nurse observes the abdomen for any visible abnormalities. Following this with auscultation, using a stethoscope, allows the nurse to listen for bowel sounds without altering them through palpation. Finally, the examination concludes with palpation, which involves touching the abdomen to identify any masses or tenderness that might not have been detected through inspection and auscultation.
During auscultation, correct stethoscope placement is crucial, which is akin to the proper technique used in cardiac physiology for hearing different valve sounds at specific chest locations. Similarly, healthcare providers routinely use a division of the abdominal cavity into nine regions or four quadrants to communicate clearly about findings such as the location of abdominal pain or suspicious masses.