Physical examination maneuver
Physical Exam
Abdomen Inspection
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How to Perform
With the patient supine and the abdomen exposed from the costal margins to the pubis, inspect the abdomen from the side and from the foot of the bed. Note the overall contour and symmetry, the appearance of the umbilicus, and any scars, striae, dilated veins, rashes, or other skin changes. Look for visible masses, pulsations, or peristalsis, and observe the movement of the abdominal wall with respiration.
How to Interpret
Showing 4 of 7 findings
Ascites
Bulging flanks
Rule in
Somewhat helpfulNo CI
Rule out
Somewhat helpfulNo CI
Evidence:Moderate
Bowel Obstruction
Visible peristalsis
Rule in
Very helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Not helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Moderate
Abdominal distension
Rule in
HelpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Somewhat helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Moderate
Cushing Syndrome
Wide purple/violaceous striae (>1 cm)
Rule in
InconclusiveWide CI
Rule out
Not helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Moderate
Related Bedside Tests
🎬Video coming soon
Abdomen Palpation
Rule in:VHExtrahepatic Biliary Obstruction, VHIntussusception, VHPyloric Stenosis +32 more
Rule out:VHHepatocellular Jaundice, HAppendicitis, SHDiverticulitis +32 more
🎬Video coming soon
Abdomen Auscultation
Rule in:VHRenovascular Hypertension, MHBowel Obstruction, IEAbdominal Aortic Aneurysm +9 more
Rule out:MHRenovascular Hypertension, NHBowel Obstruction, IEAbdominal Aortic Aneurysm +9 more
🎬Video coming soon
Edema Assessment
Rule in:SHAscites, SHCirrhosis, SHCushing Syndrome +14 more
Rule out:HAscites, MHHeart Failure, NHCirrhosis +14 more
🎬Video coming soon
Shifting Dullness
Rule in:HCirrhosis, SHAscites, IEHepatopulmonary Syndrome
Rule out:SHAscites, MHCirrhosis, IEHepatopulmonary Syndrome
🎬Video coming soon
Abdomen Percussion
Rule in:SHAscites, NHHepatomegaly, IEPerforated Viscus +2 more
Rule out:SHAscites, NHHepatomegaly, IEPerforated Viscus +2 more
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Respiratory Rate
Rule in:HReduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction, SHCardiopulmonary Arrest, SHPneumonia +10 more
Rule out:MHCardiopulmonary Arrest, MHPulmonary Embolism, NHPneumonia +10 more