A nurse is performing an abdominal assessment as part of a client's comprehensive physical examination. Which of the following is the final step the nurse should perform?

Rationale: A. Inspection: Visual examination of the abdomen is the first step, allowing the nurse to observe contour, skin changes, and symmetry without disturbing underlying structures. B. Auscultation: Listening for bowel and vascular sounds is performed after inspection and before palpation or percussion to avoid artificially altering bowel activity. C. Palpation: Palpation is the final step in an abdominal assessment because pressing on the abdomen can alter bowel sounds or cause discomfort. It is performed last to prevent interference with earlier assessment steps. D. Percussion: Percussion provides information about organ size, fluid, and gas presence and is performed after auscultation but before palpation to avoid disturbing bowel sounds.