NORMAL ABDOMINAL EXAMINATION - PRESENTATION SUMMERY

AE

Concise and well-presented findings from a routine abdominal examination — written in a natural, human tone suitable for viva, OSCE, or case notes.

Clinical summary

Normal findings

No pathology

General Inspection

The patient lies comfortably in the supine position, breathing normally, with no signs of pain or distress. The hands show no pallor, jaundice, clubbing, or peripheral edema. No palmar erythema or spider nevi are noted.

Inspection of the Abdomen

The abdomen appears flat and symmetrical, moving well with respiration. The umbilicus is central and inverted. No scars, striae, distension, visible peristalsis, or pulsations are seen. The skin is healthy with no dilated veins.

Palpation

The abdomen feels soft and non-tender, with no guarding or rigidity. No masses or organomegaly are palpable.

Liver

Not palpable.

Spleen

Not palpable.

Kidneys

Not ballotable.

Aorta

Normal pulsation felt, no expansile mass.

Bladder

Not palpable.

Hernial Orifices

No hernial openings present.

Percussion

Tympanic note throughout with no dullness, shifting dullness, or fluid thrill — indicating absence of ascites. Liver and splenic percussion are within normal limits.

Auscultation

Normal bowel sounds are heard. No bruits or venous hums detected.

Conclusion: Findings are consistent with a normal abdominal examination. No clinical evidence of organomegaly, tenderness, mass, or ascites.

Presenter’s tip: Begin with general inspection, move smoothly through palpation and percussion, and close confidently with your conclusion.

Related Abdominal Examination Cases

A

Ascites — Abdominal Examination Evaluation of fluid accumulation and shifting dullness.

H

Hepatomegaly — Abdominal Examination Assessing liver span, edge, and surface texture.

S

Splenomegaly — Abdominal Examination Detecting spleen enlargement and notches on palpation.

I

Intestinal Obstruction Inspection for distension and altered bowel sounds.

P

Peritonitis — Abdominal Examination Signs of rigidity, guarding, and rebound tenderness.

C

Cholecystitis — Abdominal Examination Murphy’s sign and right hypochondrial tenderness.

A

Acute Appendicitis McBurney’s tenderness and localized peritonism.

Prepared for clinical rounds Updated: Oct 2025