Study Guide for Fundamentals of Nursing Care: Concepts, Connections & Skills - Physical Assessment Related

Review Study Guide for Fundamentals of Nursing Care: Concepts, Connections & Skills - Physical Assessment related questions and content

The correct sequence to assess the abdomen is

  • A. Auscultation, olfaction, observation, palpation, and percussion
  • B. Observation, auscultation, palpation, percussion, and olfaction
  • C. Observation, palpation, percussion, auscultation, and olfaction
  • D. Olfaction, auscultation, observation, palpation, and percussion
  • E. Olfaction, observation, auscultation, percussion, and palpation
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Abdominal assessment starts with observation, then auscultation (before palpation/percussion to avoid altering bowel sounds), followed by palpation, percussion, and olfaction.