Inspecting the abdomen
Look at the general shape of the abdomen. In particular, look for abdominal distension.
Light palpation
Palpate the abdomen lightly while looking at the patient’s face. The main intention is to identify any particular areas of tenderness for further examination. Press lightly into the abdomen with the flat part of the fingers: describe a circle around the umbilicus.
| AFRIKAANS | TRANSCRIPT | XHOSA |
|---|---|---|
| I would like to feel your tummy now. / Ek wil nou graag u maag voel (palpeer). / Ngoku ndifuna ukuva isisu sakho. | ||
| I’ll be as gentle as possible. / Ek sal versigtig werk. / Ndiza kuzama ukubamba kuso ngobunono. | ||
| Please tell me if you are uncomfortable and if there is any pain. / Sê of u enige pyn of ongerief ervaar. / Nceda undixelele ukuba uziva ungonwabanga okanye kuneentlungu. |
See how this is done.
| AFRIKAANS | TRANSCRIPT | XHOSA |
|---|---|---|
| Try to relax. / Ontspan asseblief. / Zama ukuziyekelela. | ||
| I’m going to start doing this now. / Ek sal nou die ondersoek begin. / Ndiza kuqalisa ukwenza le nto ngoku. | ||
| Okay with you? / Is dit reg so? / Kulungile? |
