Abdomen

Question 1

What is defined as the abdomen?

Answer 1

Part of the trunk between the thorax and the pelvis

Question 2

What does the abdomen house?

Answer 2

Most of the organs of the digestive organs

Question 3

What are abdominal organs protected by?

Answer 3

Muscular walls, the diaphragm and muscles of the pelvis

Question 4

Where does the abdomen lie between?

Answer 4

Diaphragm and the pelvis

Question 5

True or false: it is the largest cavity in the body?

Answer 5

True

Question 6

How many quadrants and regions is the abdomen made out ?

Answer 6

4 quadrants

9 regions

Question 7

Name the 4 quadrants

Answer 7

Right upper
Left upper
Right lower
Left lower

Question 8

Name the 9 regions

Answer 8

1. Right hypochondriac
2. Right lumbar
3. Right iliac
4. Epigastric
5. Umbilical
6. Hypogastric
7. Left hypochondriac
8. Left lumbar
9. Left iliac

Question 9

The abdomen is made up of which 3 layers?

Answer 9

Skin, superficial fascia and muscle

Question 10

What can sometimes happen to the abdomen during pregnancy?

Answer 10

The growing uterus can sometimes cause the muscles to separate, this is known as diastasis recti

Question 11

Why do we carry out abdominal examinations

Answer 11

• to observe signs of pregnancy
• to identify fetal position
• to detect deviation from the norm
• as a method to assess growth and wellbeing of the fetus

Question 12

When would you carry out an abdominal examination?

Answer 12

• As part of an antenatal visit
• On admission to hospital
• Prior to vaginal examination or auscultation of the fetal heart

Question 13

What are 5 things you should consider before palpating?

Answer 13

1. Empty bladder
2. Consent
3. Privacy
4. Explanation as to why you’re doing it
5. Any cultural sensitivities