54. A nurse is preparing to perform an abdominal examination for a client who has a gastrointestinal disease. Identify the order in which the nurse should use the examination techniques. (Move the steps into the box on the right, placing them in the order of performance. Use all the steps.)

A. Inspection: Inspection is performed first to visually assess the abdomen for distention, discoloration, scars, or asymmetry. This noninvasive step provides baseline information before any manipulation that could alter bowel sounds or abdominal appearance. C. Auscultation: Auscultation is performed next to evaluate bowel sounds and vascular sounds. Performing auscultation before palpation is critical because palpation can stimulate bowel activity, potentially producing misleading findings. D. Light palpation: Light palpation follows auscultation to assess superficial tenderness, muscle tone, and any palpable masses. Gentle pressure minimizes discomfort and avoids altering deeper structures before initial assessment. B. Deep palpation: Deep palpation is the final step to examine underlying organs and detect deeper masses or areas of tenderness. Performing it last ensures that prior inspection and auscultation are not affected by manipulation of the abdominal wall.