Which sequence is correct when examining the abdomen?

Which sequence is correct when examining the abdomen?

• A. Palpation, inspection, auscultation
• B. Inspection, auscultation, palpation
• C. Light palpation, inspection, auscultation
• D. Inspection, palpation, auscultation

Answer: (B)

When examining the abdomen, you start with inspection to observe the surface for contour, symmetry, skin changes, distention, or wounds. Next, you auscultate to hear bowel sounds and vascular noises. It’s important to listen before touching the abdomen with your hands because palpation or percussion can alter bowel sounds and tenderness, potentially masking what you’re trying to assess. Palpation is reserved for after auscultation to evaluate tenderness, masses, and rigidity without having already affected the auditory findings. Percussion is often added between auscultation and palpation, but among the given options, the sequence that best reflects listening before touching is inspection, auscultation, then palpation.

When examining the abdomen, you start with inspection to observe the surface for contour, symmetry, skin changes, distention, or wounds. Next, you auscultate to hear bowel sounds and vascular noises. It’s important to listen before touching the abdomen with your hands because palpation or percussion can alter bowel sounds and tenderness, potentially masking what you’re trying to assess. Palpation is reserved for after auscultation to evaluate tenderness, masses, and rigidity without having already affected the auditory findings. Percussion is often added between auscultation and palpation, but among the given options, the sequence that best reflects listening before touching is inspection, auscultation, then palpation.