SAINT MICHAEL’S COLLEGE OF LAGUNA

OLD NATIONAL ROAD, PLATERO, CITY OF BIÑAN, LAGUNA

SCHOOL OF NURSING
SKILLS LABORATORY CHECKLIST

NAME OF PROCEDURE: Abdominal Assessment

NAME OF STUDENT:________________________ DATE:_________
SECTION :_________________________ GRADE:_______

PREPARATION DONE NOT DONE REMARKS

1. Identify self and provide privacy.

Hand hygiene and identify patient
using 2 identifiers. Explain
procedure to patient and position
on back with arms at side and legs
slightly bent.
2. Drape the upper chest and legs.
Encourage the patient to attempt to
relax the abdominal musculature.
Warm the stethoscope.
3. Inspect the abdomen for color,
scars, venous patterns, lesions,
striae or bruising. Note any stomas.
Note any masses, bulging or
distention.
4. Observe for pulsations and if noted,
do not palpate and report
immediately.
5. If distension is noted, measure the
abdominal girth at the level of the
umbilicus.
6. Auscultate before palpating.
Temporarily turn off any GI tube
suction before auscultating.
7. Starting at the right lower quadrant,
progress around the four
quadrants, following the path of the
colon. Listen at each site for a
minimum of 5 seconds. Describe
sounds as normoactive,
hyperactive, hypoactive or absent.
Before describing bowel sounds as
 absent, listen for a full five minutes.
8. Use light palpation over each
quadrant, starting at the right lower
quadrant and progressing to left
lower quadrant. Press about ½
inch. Palpate any painful areas last.
9. Observe patient’s face for any signs
of discomfort during palpation. Note
any masses or pulsations. Hand
hygiene.
10 Record findings. Report any
. abnormal or unusual findings to
nurse in charge or MD.

COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

RUBRICS:

DONE NOT DONE

 The student was able to perform the
procedure with accuracy,
completeness and efficiency.
 The student recited the procedure
with confidence and was able to
state a sound/scientific rationale.
 The student was not able to perform
the procedure with accuracy,
completeness and efficiency.
 The student was not able to recite
the procedure with confidence and
was able to state a sound/scientific
rationale

FORMULA FOR THE COMPUTATION OF GRADES:

Number of performed procedure /Number of items x 50 + 50

____________________________________
SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAME OF CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR