Which of the following principles apply when performing a focused assessment of the abdomen? Select all that apply.

A) Ask the patient to empty his bladder prior to the assessment.
B) Follow the assessment sequence of inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.
C) Position the patient in supine position with knees slightly flexed.
D) Begin palpating with light pressure to detect surface characteristics and move to deep palpation.

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Brianna Johnson · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : A,C,D , Explanation :  The nurse should ask the patient to empty his bladder prior to the examination to promote comfort.The patient is also positioned supine with flexed knees,further promoting comfort and relaxing the abdominal muscles.Begin with light pressure to detect surface characteristics.Then move to deep palpation to assess the underlying structures.The skills used in physical examination include inspection,palpation,percussion,auscultation,and sometimes olfaction.These skills are performed in the above order,with one exception: When performing an abdominal assessment,perform auscultation before percussion and palpation to avoid disturbing the abdominal sounds.

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