Gastrointestinal System

What does it indicate if the abdomen is distended by fluid?

• Peritonitis

• Presence of gas

• Presence of fluid

• Guarding

How do you confirm the presence of fluid in the abdomen?

• By feeling for masses

• By demonstrating shifting dullness through percussion

• By listening for bowel sounds

• By checking for rebound tenderness

What does rigidity of the abdominal muscles indicate?

• Anxiety

• Tenderness

• Peritoneal irritation

• Presence of fluid

What is rebound tenderness a sign of?

How can guarding be reduced during an abdominal examination?

• By percussing the abdomen

• By listening for bowel sounds

• By checking for rebound tenderness

• By persuading the patient to relax

What is Shifting Dullness?

• Contraction of the abdominal muscles due to tenderness or anxiety.

• Demonstrated by percussion and indicates the presence of fluid.

• Constant and due to peritoneal irritation.

• Indicates peritonitis when pain is felt upon sudden removal of the palpating hand.

What is Guarding?

• Contraction of the abdominal muscles due to tenderness or anxiety.

• Sounds heard from the abdomen that indicate normal or abnormal bowel function.

• Constant and due to peritoneal irritation.