General procedures
- Ensure that your hands are warm.
- First place your fingers on the skin, and then calmly apply pressure.
- Gradually increase the pressure throughout the palpation.
The degree of pressure determines the level at which information is derived. Light pressure provides information on the most superficial layers (e.g. skin and muscle), while greater pressure provides information about deeper lying structures - Reposition the palpating hand calmly and without contact with the abdominal skin.
Stroking the abdominal skin and abrupt movements can cause a reactive contraction in the abdominal muscles and startle the patient - Palpate all regions systematically
- Lastly, palpate the site indicated by the patient as painful, and give this site extra attention
General points to consider
- Determine the abdominal wall compliance during palpation; check if abnormal masses can be felt; determine whether palpation is painful and at which sites (also ask the patient).
Characteristics of palpable masses
- Location
- Size
- Shape
- Surface
- Consistancy
- Pulsations
- Palpation yendernes