Abdominal Examination - Inspection

Inspection

The patient should be examined for: -

  • masses
  • scars, sinuses
  • lesions
  • signs of trauma
  • bulging flanks - best done from the foot of the bed
  • jaundice/scleral icterus
  • abdominal distension
  • caput medusae - dilated blood vessels radiating from the umbilicus (may be present in liver failure)
  • cough impulse

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