Ascites - Abdominal Examination

AS

Detailed clinical summary of abdominal examination findings in a patient with ascites — formatted for viva and case presentation use.

Abdominal distension

Fluid thrill

Shifting dullness

General Inspection

The patient appears comfortable but has a distended abdomen. No respiratory distress is noted. The skin shows no pallor or jaundice. Peripheral edema may be present, especially over the ankles. Hands show no palmar erythema or asterixis.

Inspection of the Abdomen

The abdomen is uniformly distended with a smooth, tense surface. Flanks appear full and the umbilicus is everted. No visible veins, scars, or hernias are noted. Abdominal wall movements with respiration are reduced.

Palpation

The abdomen feels tense and non-tender. No organomegaly or masses are distinctly palpable due to the presence of free fluid. The liver and spleen may be difficult to feel.

Percussion

Percussion reveals dullness over the flanks and a central tympanic note. Shifting dullness and fluid thrill are positive, confirming the presence of free fluid in the peritoneal cavity.

Auscultation

Normal bowel sounds are heard, though they may be distant due to the fluid. No bruits or venous hums are appreciated.

Conclusion: Findings are consistent with ascites, evidenced by generalized abdominal distension, shifting dullness, and fluid thrill. No signs of peritonitis or acute tenderness noted.

Prepared for clinical presentation Updated: Oct 2025