What should nurses assess in an abdominal wall examination?
During an abdominal wall examination, nurses should assess for symmetry, swelling, and any visible protrusions or masses. Palpation is used to detect tenderness, muscle tone, and the presence of any abnormalities such as hernias or hematomas. Additionally, nurses should evaluate the patient's ability to perform movements like coughing or sitting up, which can indicate the functional integrity of the abdominal muscles.
