Answer Page: Gynaecology -

Acute Abdominal Examination

Patient Details

Task Answers

External Reference

Patient's Details

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Opening statement

Appearance (Act out during role play)

Questions to ask the Doctor

Questions to ask the Doctor (continued)

Expectations from the doctor

DockRoach™ Approach

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Key Concepts Here

Key concepts continued

Reading time techniques

Blood and urine samples taken

Quickly think about task answers

Key communication skills

Physical examination

Abdominal examination

Ask the patient to lie flat with the head resting on a single pillow

Sample dialogue

General Inspection Summary for Acute Abdominal Examination

Palpate for any enlarged lymph nodes

Sample dialogue

Focus abdominal examination points

Sample dialogue

Sample dialogue continued

Differential Diagnoses to Consider (including relevant clinical examination)

Special signs/test to look for

Ectopic pregnancy

Ovarian torsion

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Gastroenteritis

Mesenteric Adenitis

Gastrointestinal Obstruction

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Peptic Ulcer Disease with Perforation

Biliary Colic/Cholecystitis

Completion of examination

Sample dialogue

What are the most likely causes of right lower abdominal pain in this patient?

Key signs and symptoms we should look for

Question 2 continued

Can you explain the correct technique for palpating the abdomen?

Use flat of fingers

What should we do if we find a tender area or mass during the examination?

Consider imaging

Question 5: Are there any red flags or signs that would indicate a need for urgent surgical intervention?

Acute Distension with vomiting

Concluding station

Additional References:

Click on link below.

Patient Information

Explaining topic to patient

Right lower quadrant pain (Patient.info UK)

Ectopic pregnancy (Patient.info UK)

Reliable online resources for learning on this topic.

Quick Notes

See diagrams or notes on topic

Right iliac fossa pain for Medical Professionals (Patient.info UK)

Abdominal pain differential diagnosis (litfl.com US)

Abdominal examination for Medical Professionals (Patient.info UK)

Abdominal Examination (geekymedics.com US)

The Acute Abdomen (teachmesurgery.com UK)

Useful online resources for learning on this topic.

Guidelines & Articles

Diagnosis and management on topic

Evaluation of Acute Abdominal Pain in Adults (aafp.org US)

Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) on this topic from the official website.

UpToDate

Detailed reading on topic

Acute lower abdominal (pelvic) pain in nonpregnant adult females (UpToDate.com US)

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Tip Here:

Focus on a systematic abdominal examination, differentiating between gynecological and non-gynecological causes to ensure a thorough examination.

This website has used the following for reference in preparing the contents.

Australian Medical Council (AMC) Handbook of Clinical Assessment reprinted 2018 edition

John Murtagh's General Practice 8th edition

Tally O'Conner's Clinical Examination 8th edition

Better Heath Channel

The Royal Women's Hospital Victoria Australia

Gynecology by Ten Teachers 20th edition

Obstetrics by Ten Teachers 20th edition

Paediatric Handbook 10th edition

Suggested reading material for examination preparation by the AMC

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG)