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SKILLS
ABDOMINAL EXAMINATION
Introduction
Good day, am and l am a year medical student. have been asked to
carry out an abdominal exam on you today. This will involve me inspecting and feeling the abdominal
area. Is that okay with you? Okay. Can you tell me your name and age please? Are you feeling any
pain right now (insert name)? Okay, please let me know if you feel any pain during the examination.
Positioning of Patient
Always approach from the RIGHT side of the patient.
Abdominal — Flat Bed
If in OSCE bed cannot be adjusted, still mention to examiner.
Adequate Exposure
Nipples to waist to preserve modesty (adjust sheet to waist).
Lower legs exposed
Always make sure patient is comfortable.
General Inspection (at foot of bed)
Distress
Dysmorphic features, well-nourished BM
Bedside Aids
Obvious scars
Abdominal distention
Oedema
Gynaecomastia, Spider naevi
Caput medusae
Striae
Pallor, Jaundice
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