DE LA SALLE LIPA

COLLEGE OF NURSING

Health Assessment NCM 101

Procedural Checklist in
Assessment of the Abdomen

Name: Year/Sec: Rating:

Given actual or simulated situations/conditions, the students will be able to systematically

assess, observe and perform assessment of the abdomen.

Specific Objectives:
1. Identify landmarks for the abdominal assessment and describe its function.
2. Interview the client for an accurate nursing history of the abdomen.
3. Correctly perform techniques of inspection, auscultation, percussion and palpation.
4. Differentiate normal from abnormal findings.
CRITERIA:
Item Descriptors Verbal Interpretation
Weight
1 Excellent Performed the procedure with great ease and confidence, observing
work ethics (prudent, accepts criticisms and suggestions), able to
rationalize scientifically and shows diligence in documenting
observations at all times.
0.75 Very Performed the procedure with less confidence, observing work ethics
Satisfactory (prudent, accepts criticisms and suggestions), able to rationalize
scientifically and shows minimal diligence in documenting
observations.
0.5 Satisfactory Performed the procedure but requires close supervision and shows
potential for improvement.
0.25 Needs Failed to perform the procedure, unable to function well and needs
Improvement repeated specific/ detailed guidance or direction.

No. STEP BY STEP PROCEDURE 1 0.75 0.5 0.25 REMARKS

A Assess for current symptoms:
• Abdominal pain present.
• Factors that precipitate the pain or
make it worse.
• Description and location of pain
1 • Other symptoms such as nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, appetite
changes and constipation
• Recent weight gain or loss
 B Past History:
• Previous abdominal surgery/
trauma/ injury/medications
C Family History:
• Stomach, colon, or liver cancer
• Abdominal pain, appendicitis,
bleeding, hemorrhoids
• Person responsible for nutrition in
the family
D Lifestyle and Health Practices:
• Smoking
• Alcohol Intake
• Diet (foods and drinks) in past 24
hours
• Antacid and other medications
• Fluid intake
• Exercise
• Stress Factor
• Past actions with abdominal pain or
problem

E. Gather equipment and explain the

procedure to the patient. Wear gloves. Ask
the client to put on a gown.

Inspect:
2 A. Inspect the skin noting color,
vascularity, striae, scars and lesions.
B. Inspect the umbilicus, noting color,
location and contour
C. Inspect the contour of abdomen
D. Inspect the symmetry of the
abdomen
E. Inspect the abdominal movement,
noting respiratory movement, aortic
pulsations and/ or peristaltic waves.

Auscultate:
3 A. Auscultate for bowel sounds, noting
intensity, pitch and frequency
B. Auscultate for vascular sounds and
friction rubs.
4 Percuss:
A. Percuss the abdomen for tone
B. Percuss the liver.
C. Percuss the spleen

5 Perform the ffg:

A. Blunt percussion on the liver and the
kidneys.
B. Light palpation, noting tenderness or
guarding in all quadrants.
C. Deep palpation, noting tenderness
or masses in all quadrants.

6 Palpate:
A. Palpate the umbilicus
B. Palpate the aorta
C. Palpate the liver, noting consistency
and tenderness

7 Palpate:
A. Palpate the spleen, noting
consistency and tenderness
B. Palpate the kidneys
C. Palpate the urinary bladder

8 Perform the ffg:

A. Test for shifting dullness.
B. Fluid wave test
C. Test for cholecystitis (Murphy sign)

9 Perform the test for appendicitis:

A. Rebound tenderness
B. Rovsing sign / Referred rebound
tenderness
C. Psoas sign
D. Obturator sign
E. Hypersensitivity test

Remove gloves. Perform handwashing.

10 Formulate collaborative problems.
Documentation
Make necessary referrals.
COMMENTS:

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Evaluated by:

________________________________ ________________________________
Student’s Signature over Printed Name CI’s Signature over Printed Name

Date: ______________ Date: ______________