Superficial Palpation
Protocols
Superficial & Deep palpation:
Patients position supine start in the left iliac region palpating lightly and work anti – clock wise to end in the supra pubic region, repeat this using deeper palpation and with both hands if necessary .
- During palpation observe on the patients face
- The hand is placed flat and relaxed and moulded to abdominal wall.
Point of Superficial examination:
1) Temperature
2) Tenderness
3) Muscle guard/ rigidity –
- a) Localized:
- Acute appendicitis
- Cholecystitis
- b) Generalized:
- peritonitis
- Gastric perforation
4) Localized swelling
5) Hyperesthesia
6) Fluid thrill (For ascites):
procedure:
a) with detecting hard flat on the patients flank with the patients hand placed on the abdomen along the midline ,flick /tap the skin of abdominal wall over the flank by index finger .
b) a fluid thrill is felt on the detecting hand