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.)

Rationale: D. Inspection: This is always the first step in any physical assessment. The nurse observes the abdomen for contour, symmetry, skin condition, and any visible movements or abnormalities. C. Auscultation: Performed before palpation to avoid altering bowel sounds. Listening to bowel and vascular sounds provides key information about gastrointestinal activity and blood flow. B. Light palpation: Conducted next to assess for tenderness, guarding, and superficial masses. This helps ensure client comfort and provides a baseline before deeper pressure is applied. A. Deep palpation: Done last to evaluate organ size, deep masses, or tenderness. It can stimulate peristalsis or discomfort, so it follows the less invasive steps to minimize changes to assessment findings.