What should a nurse do first when assessing the abdomen?

In assessing the abdomen, the first step a nurse should take is to inspect the abdomen visually. This is crucial because visual inspection allows the healthcare provider to observe any immediate abnormalities, such as swelling, discoloration, scars, or unusual shapes that could indicate underlying issues. By starting with inspection, the nurse gathers important visual information that may guide further assessment.

After inspection, further techniques such as auscultation for bowel sounds and palpation can be performed. These subsequent steps provide additional details regarding the functional status of the abdomen and any potential masses or tenderness, but they should follow visual inspection to establish a baseline understanding of the abdomen's appearance. Measuring abdominal girth is also important, but it is typically relevant when there is already identified abnormality or suspicion of conditions like fluid accumulation.