When performing a physical assessment of the abdomen, what is the correct order of the assessment skills?

The correct order of performing a physical assessment of the abdomen is inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation.

This sequence is important primarily because it helps prevent changes in bowel sounds and minimizes discomfort for the patient. Beginning with inspection allows the healthcare provider to observe any physical characteristics, such as swelling, discoloration, or asymmetry. Following inspection with auscultation enables the assessment of bowel sounds without interference from palpation, which can stimulate gut activity and potentially alter these sounds.

Next, percussion is performed to evaluate the density of underlying tissues and identify any abnormalities, such as fluid buildup or air in the bowel. Finally, palpation comes last because it may cause discomfort or trigger a protective response from the abdominal muscles, potentially masking findings such as tenderness or a mass. Therefore, adhering to this specific order ensures a thorough and effective abdominal assessment.