ANATOMY &
QUADRANTS
QUADRANTS
Name the organs found in the RUQ.
What are the liver, gallbladder, duodenum, head of pancreas, right kidney, part of ascending & transverse colon?
Name two questions you would ask about abdominal pain.
What is “Where is the pain?” and “How would you rate it on a scale of 0-10?”
What is the correct order to assess the abdomen?
What is inspect, auscultate, then palpate?
Why might an infant’s abdomen look different from an adult’s?
What is it’s more rounded or protuberant, even lying flat?
Name a disease process involving gallstones.
What is cholelithiasis?
What organs are typically located in the LLQ?
What are the sigmoid colon, left ovary & fallopian tube, left ureter, part of descending colon?
If a patient reports vomiting, what specific question should you ask about it?
What is “What does it look like—color, texture, blood, undigested food?”
Why do you auscultate before palpating the abdomen?
What is to avoid altering bowel sounds?
Why might you see visible peristalsis in infants?
What is because they have thinner abdominal walls?
What liver disease is associated with scarring?
What is cirrhosis?
How many abdominal regions are there?
What is nine?
Name a question you would ask about the patient’s urinary habits.
What is “Do you have pain with urination?” or “How often do you empty your bladder?”
What does the nurse look for when inspecting the abdomen?
What is shape, contour, symmetry, skin condition?
How do bowel sounds differ in children?
What is they’re more high-pitched and frequent?
Which condition involves pockets in the colon wall?
What is diverticulosis (or inflamed, diverticulitis)?
Name the region that contains the bladder & uterus.
What is the hypogastric (or suprapubic) region?
Name one reason you would ask about travel history.
What is to assess for exposure to infectious diseases or unsafe water?
What technique is used for light palpation?
What is pressing 1 cm with finger pads in a circular motion over all quadrants?
Name one common abdominal variation in the elderly.
What is decreased abdominal tone or slower peristalsis?
What are the classic signs of GI bleeding in stool or vomit?
What are melena (black tarry stool) and coffee-ground emesis?
The spleen is found in which quadrant?
What is the LUQ?
Name a sign in the history that could indicate kidney failure.
What is recent weight gain, ankle swelling, or shortness of breath?
What are expected vs unexpected bowel sounds?
What are high-pitched gurgles (normal) vs absent, hypoactive, hyperactive, or bruits (unexpected)?
How should palpation differ for young children?
What is using a gentler approach and possible distraction like toys?
Name a common symptom of pancreatitis.
What is severe upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back?