Gastrointestinal and Musculoskeletal Systems

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Assessment of the Abdomen
Inspection
The abdomen’s movements, surface, and contours should be inspected. While inspecting the skin, scars, striae, rashes, and dilated veins should be noted. Inflammation or bulges of the umbilicus should also be checked as it could be an indication of the presence of a ventral hernia. While checking for the contour, symmetry should be noted as well as any visible organs or masses as it may suggest the presence of an enlarged organ or any mass. Peristalsis and pulsations should also be noted (Rabinowitz, 2019).
Auscultation
The abdomen should be auscultated to check for bowel motility. This should be done before percussion or palpation since the frequency of bowel sounds can be altered by these maneuvers. Auscultation also provides information regarding the presence of fruits and friction rub (Rabinowitz, 2019).
Percussion
This maneuver assesses the abdomen’s amount and distribution of gas. This can also help the health practitioner assess possible masses that can be solid or fluid-filled. While percussing, the company and dullness should be noted. An underlying mass may present with dullness. Dullness is usually observed in solid posterior structures (Rabinowitz, 2019).
Palpation
Light palpation is used in determining any muscular resistance, abdominal tenderness, and masses. This maneuver can also help to reassure and relax the patient. All four quadrants should be prepared gently. Deep palpation is done to delineate the abdominal masses. If a mass is identified, the location, shape, size, tenderness, and consistency should be noted (Rabinowitz, 2019).
Recording the findings:
Initially, sentences are used in describing the findings of the abdomen. Phrases will be used later on.
Findings from the previous patient:
The abdomen is protruded. Active bowel sounds were heard. The abdomen is firm with tenderness, guarding, and rebound upon palpation located in the R mid quadrant. A palpable mass is also noted in the same location. No costovertebral angle tenderness was noted.
OSTEOARTHRITIS
Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis which happens when the cartilage within the joints wear down; it is called “wear and tear”. This is common in aged people since it usually happens over time, and when pain occurs, the patient cannot move for a short period of time. There are also cases when norma...