Page 282 - CHHA Binder 2.3.20

4/11/2019

Abnormal Findings in Abdominal
Assessment

 Abdominal distension may indicate
• Ascites associated with conditions such as:
o Heart Failure
o Cirrhosis
o Pancreatitis

 Markedly visible peristalsis with abdominal distension may
indicate:

• Intestinal Obstruction

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Abnormal Findings in Abdominal

Assessment

 Hyperactive bowel sounds may indicate
• bowel obstruction,
• gastroenteritis, or
• subsiding paralytic ileum

 Hypoactive or absent bowel sounds may be present:
• after abdominal surgery,
• Indicative of peritonitis
• Suggestive of paralytic ileus

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