NUR612 Key Points to Review for Exam 3 This exam is cumulative and covers Weeks 9-14

STUDENT NOTES NUR612 Key Points to Review for Exam 3 This exam is cumulative and covers Weeks 9-14 • Onset and duration: when it began; sudden or gradual; persistent, recurrent, intermittent • Character: dull, sharp, burning, gnawing, stabbing, cramping, aching, colicky • Location: of onset, change in location over time, radiating to another area, superficial or deep • Associated symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, passage of flatus, belching, jaundice, change in abdominal girth, weight loss or weight gain • Relationship to: menstrual cycle, abnormal menses, intercourse, urination, defecation, inspiration, change in body position, food or alcohol intake, stress, time of day, trauma • Recent stool characteristics: color, consistency, odor, frequency • Urinary characteristics: frequency, color, volume congruent with fluid intake, force of stream, ease of starting stream, ability to empty bladder • Medications: high doses of aspirin, steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Proper steps to examine abdomen: inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation Using tangential lighting, inspect the abdomen for 4 surface characteristics 1. Observe the skin color. It may vary greatly but should have no jaundice, cyanosis, redness, bruises, or discoloration 2. Check for nodules and other lesions, which should not be present 3. Note any scars and draw their location, configuration, and relative size on an illustration of the abdomen 4. Assess the venous return. Above the umbilicus, venous return should be toward the head. Below the umbilicus, it should be toward the feet Inspect the abdominal contour and symmetry • The contour is the abdominal profile from the rib margin to the pubis. It normally may be flat, rounded, or scaphoid. The umbilicus should be centrally located and may be inverted or may protrude slightly. • Contralateral areas of the abdomen should be symmetrical in appearance and contour and should have no distention of bulges • To elicit hidden masses or bulges, have the patient take a deep breath and hold it. The abdomen should remain smooth and symmetrical. Next, have the supine patient raise their head from the table as you inspect the abdomen. Note any masses, hernia, or muscle separation.