ABDOMINAL ASSESSEMENT OSCE

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of an abdominal assessment?

Answer 1

To evaluate the organs and structures within the abdominal cavity for any abnormalities.

Question 2

True or False: The abdominal assessment should always start with inspection.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

List the four main techniques used in abdominal assessment.

Answer 3

Inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.

Question 4

What is the correct order of techniques for an abdominal assessment?

Answer 4

Inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation.

Question 5

Fill in the blank: The normal bowel sounds are typically heard every _____ seconds.

Answer 5

5 to 15

Question 6

What is the significance of a ‘silent abdomen’ during assessment?

Answer 6

It may indicate a serious condition such as bowel obstruction or peritonitis.

Question 7

True or False: Light palpation is used to assess for tenderness and deeper structures.

Answer 7

False

Question 8

What should be inspected during the abdominal assessment?

Answer 8

Skin color, lesions, scars, contour, and any visible pulsations.

Question 9

What does a distended abdomen suggest?

Answer 9

Possible fluid accumulation, gas, or organ enlargement.

Question 10

What is the purpose of percussion in an abdominal assessment?

Answer 10

To assess the density of underlying structures and detect fluid or masses.

Question 11

What is the term for the sound produced when percussing over a hollow organ?

Answer 11

Tympany

Question 12

What should you listen for while auscultating the abdomen?

Answer 12

Bowel sounds and vascular sounds.

Question 13

True or False: Bruits heard during auscultation may indicate vascular abnormalities.

Answer 13

True

Question 14

What is the significance of rebound tenderness during palpation?

Answer 14

It may indicate peritoneal irritation or inflammation.

Question 15

What is the normal range for bowel sounds per minute?

Answer 15

5 to 30 sounds.

Question 16

Define ‘guarding’ in the context of abdominal assessment.

Answer 16

Involuntary tensing of abdominal muscles that may indicate pain.

Question 17

True or False: A patient should be in a supine position during an abdominal assessment.

Answer 17

True

Question 18

What does a positive Murphy’s sign indicate?

Answer 18

Possible gallbladder inflammation or cholecystitis.

Question 19

What is the purpose of deep palpation?

Answer 19

To assess for masses, organ size, and tenderness.

Question 20

Fill in the blank: The liver is typically palpated in the _____ quadrant.

Answer 20

Right upper

Question 21

What does the term ‘ascites’ refer to?

Answer 21

Fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.

Question 22

True or False: The spleen is normally palpable.

Answer 22

False

Question 23

What is the primary indication for performing an abdominal assessment?

Answer 23

To investigate symptoms such as pain, nausea, or changes in bowel habits.

Question 24

What is the significance of a mass found in the abdomen during assessment?

Answer 24

It may indicate a tumor, cyst, or organ enlargement.

Question 25

What should you do if you find a pulsatile mass during palpation?

Answer 25

Refer for further evaluation as it may indicate an aortic aneurysm.

Question 26

What does the term 'peritonitis' refer to?

Answer 26

Inflammation of the peritoneum, often due to infection or perforation.

Question 27

True or False: An abdominal assessment can be performed without the patient's consent.

Answer 27

False

Question 28

What are some common signs of gastrointestinal bleeding?

Answer 28

Melena, hematemesis, and hypotension.

Question 29

What is the significance of assessing for shifting dullness during percussion?

Answer 29

It helps to identify the presence of fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Question 30

What is the anatomical landmark for the McBurney point?

Answer 30

Located one-third of the distance from the anterior superior iliac spine to the umbilicus.

Question 31

True or False: The kidneys are typically assessed through abdominal palpation.

Answer 31

False

Question 32

What is the primary reason for auscultating the abdomen before palpation?

Answer 32

To avoid altering bowel sounds with physical manipulation.

Question 33

What does 'hyperactive bowel sounds' suggest?

Answer 33

Increased gastrointestinal activity, possibly due to diarrhea or early bowel obstruction.

Question 34

Fill in the blank: The _____ quadrant is where the appendix is located.

Answer 34

Right lower

Question 35

What is the purpose of checking for CVA tenderness?

Answer 35

To assess for kidney inflammation or infection.

Question 36

What does a 'board-like' abdomen indicate?

Answer 36

Possible peritoneal irritation or severe abdominal pathology.

Question 37

What does the term 'melena' refer to?

Answer 37

Black, tarry stools indicating upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Question 38

True or False: Abdominal assessment should be done with the patient in a comfortable position.

Answer 38

True

Question 39

What position should the patient be in for an abdominal assessment?

Answer 39

Supine with knees bent for relaxation.

Question 40

What could a positive psoas sign indicate?

Answer 40

Appendicitis or irritation of the iliopsoas muscle.

Question 41

What is the significance of the iliopsoas test?

Answer 41

To assess for appendicitis or retroperitoneal abscess.

Question 42

What does the term 'hematemesis' refer to?

Answer 42

Vomiting of blood.

Question 43

What should be documented after an abdominal assessment?

Answer 43

Findings, patient responses, and any actions taken.

Question 44

True or False: A patient with abdominal pain should be assessed quickly to avoid complications.

Answer 44

True

Question 45

What is the significance of checking for abdominal bruits?

Answer 45

It may indicate vascular abnormalities or stenosis.

Question 46

What is the normal size of the liver in a healthy adult?

Answer 46

6-12 cm in the right midclavicular line.

Question 47

What does 'splenomegaly' refer to?

Answer 47

Enlargement of the spleen.

Question 48

What is the significance of assessing for flank pain?

Answer 48

It may indicate kidney stones or pyelonephritis.

Question 49

What does a positive Blumberg sign suggest?

Answer 49

Peritoneal irritation, often associated with appendicitis.

Question 50

What is the main focus of the abdominal history?

Answer 50

To identify symptoms and any relevant medical history.

Question 51

True or False: Patient comfort and privacy are important during an abdominal assessment.

Answer 51

True

Question 52

What is the significance of the abdominal wall's appearance?

Answer 52

It can indicate underlying pathology such as hernias or ascites.

Question 53

What does 'borborygmi' refer to?

Answer 53

Gurgling or rumbling sounds made by the movement of fluid and gas in the intestines.

Question 54

Fill in the blank: The _____ quadrant is where the stomach is primarily located.

Answer 54

Left upper

Question 55

What is the purpose of checking for abdominal tenderness?

Answer 55

To identify areas of pain that may indicate underlying pathology.

Question 56

What does 'cholecystitis' refer to?

Answer 56

Inflammation of the gallbladder.