Question

When examining the anterior abdomen of a patient who complains of abdominal pain:

a) routinely palpate the least painful area(s) first
b) it is often necessary to administer analgesia first
c) auscultate bowel sounds for at least 5 minutes.
d) you should first percuss over the four quadrants.

Answer 1

When examining the anterior abdomen of a patient who complains of abdominal pain, it is important to follow a systematic approach. The correct order of examination is: Percuss over the four quadrants, auscultate bowel sounds for at least 5 minutes, routinely palpate the least painful area(s) first, and administer analgesia if necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

When examining the anterior abdomen of a patient who complains of abdominal pain, it is important to follow a systematic approach. The correct order of examination is:

1. Percuss over the four quadrants: This is done to assess for any abnormal sounds or tenderness.
2. Auscultate bowel sounds for at least 5 minutes: This helps evaluate the functioning of the gastrointestinal system.
3. Routinely palpate the least painful area(s) first: This is done to assess for any masses, tenderness, or abnormal findings.
4. Administer analgesia if necessary: If the patient is experiencing severe pain, it may be necessary to provide pain relief before continuing with the examination.