The nurse is preparing to perform a health assessment of the abdomen.

The nurse is preparing to perform a health assessment of the abdomen. In which order should the nurse perform the assessment?

1. Auscultate, percuss, palpate, inspect
2. Inspect, auscultate, palpate, percuss
3. Inspect, auscultate, percuss, palpate
4. Palpate, percuss, auscultate, inspect

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Inspection should occur first. Palpation should always be performed last when performing an abdominal health assessment. Auscultation is done before palpation and percussion because palpation and percussion cause movement or stimulation of the bowel, which can increase bowel motility and thus heighten bowel sounds, creating false results.