A nurse begins an abdominal examination by observing for visual abnormalities. This technique is known as:

Choice A reason: Auscultation is the process of listening to sounds produced within the body, typically using a stethoscope. In an abdominal exam, it is used to assess bowel sounds and vascular bruits. It follows inspection but must precede percussion and palpation to ensure that bowel motility is not artificially stimulated. Choice B reason: Inspection is the systematic visual observation of the patient, which is always the first step in a physical assessment. In the abdomen, the nurse inspects for contour, symmetry, skin integrity, pulsations, and the presence of striae or scars. This non-invasive step provides immediate clues regarding underlying pathology. Shutterstock Explore Choice C reason: Percussion involves tapping the body surface to produce vibrations and sounds. This technique helps determine the density of underlying organs and the presence of fluid or gas. It is performed after inspection and auscultation to map out organ boundaries like the liver or spleen. Choice D reason: Palpation is the use of touch to assess organ size, location, and the presence of tenderness or masses. It is the final step in the abdominal assessment sequence because deep pressure can alter bowel sounds and cause patient guarding, which would interfere with the accuracy of the preceding steps.