Which statement best describes the abdomen examination step in the head-to-toe assessment?

• A. The abdomen is typically auscultated before palpation.
• B. The abdomen is palpated before auscultation.
• C. The abdomen is inspected last.
• D. The abdomen is percussed before any other technique.

Answer: (A)

In this step, the abdomen is auscultated before palpation. Listening for bowel sounds and vascular sounds should be done prior to touching the abdomen because palpation or percussion can alter those sounds. If you palpated first, you might change bowel motility or gas distribution, which could lead to mistaken conclusions about the presence or absence of sounds. By auscultating first, you get an accurate baseline of bowel activity and any bruits, then you proceed with percussion and palpation to assess tenderness, distention, or masses without confounding the audible findings.