Examine the abdomen in the correct sequence — inspect, then auscultate before palpating, then percuss and palpate — so that palpation does not alter bowel sounds.
Characterize bowel sounds as present and normoactive, hypoactive, hyperactive, or absent.
Palpate for tenderness, guarding, rigidity, rebound, and masses, and recognize the signs of an acute abdomen.
Assess stool with the Bristol Stool Scale and determine the time since the last bowel movement, with attention to impaction risk on opioids.
Assess an ostomy — stoma color and viability, output volume and character, the appliance seal, and the peristomal skin — and reconcile findings with the diet, medications, and hydration.
