MRCP UK EXAMINATIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -The examiner should begin with superficial or light palpation from the area furthest from the point of maximal pain and move systematically through the nine regions of the abdomen. If no pain is present, any starting point can be chosen.

Detailed explanation-2: -These planes divide the abdomen into nine regions; right and left hypochondriac regions, epigastric region, umbilical region, right and left lateral regions of abdomen, hypogastric region, and right and left inguinal regions. Another way to divide the abdomen is with one vertical and one horizontal line.

Detailed explanation-3: -The five steps to palpating of the abdomen include: 1) Wash and warm your hands, 2) Communicate with the patient and palpate the most painful area last, 3) Palpate with light pressure then deep pressure, 4) Palpate all four quadrants, 5) Use a one-or two-handed technique.

Detailed explanation-4: -One should start deep palpation in the quadrant directly opposite any area of pain and carefully examine each quadrant. At each costal margin it is helpful to have the patient inspire deeply to aid in palpation of the liver, gallbladder, and spleen.

Detailed explanation-5: -The abdomen is roughly divided into four quadrants: right upper, right lower, left upper and left lower. By thinking in anatomic terms, you will remind yourself of what resides in a particular quadrant and therefore what might be identifiable during both normal and pathologic states.