Paediatric abdominal examination

Do a full adult abdominal examination with the following additional components.

General

  • Dysmorphic features
  • Colour (pallor, mottling) 
  • Alertness and interest in surroundings
  • Nutritional status

Hydration status

  1. Capillary refill
  2. Heart rate
  3. Mucous membranes
  4. Skin turgor
  5. Wet nappies (depending on age)

Points

  • Look for Grey-Turner’s and Cullen’s signs
  • Liver can be up to 2cm below costal margin in children
  • Faecal loading may be felt in umbilical region and LIF

To complete

  • Observations
  • Growth charts

Learn presentations of neonatal gastrointestinal diseases

Midgut malrotation

Oops! This section is restricted to members.

Create an account or log in to continue reading.

Duodenal atresia

Oops! This section is restricted to members.

Create an account or log in to continue reading.

Galactosaemia

Oops! This section is restricted to members.

Create an account or log in to continue reading.

Pyloric stenosis

Oops! This section is restricted to members.

Create an account or log in to continue reading.

Hirschsprung’s disease

Oops! This section is restricted to members.

Create an account or log in to continue reading.

Necrotising enterocolitis

Oops! This section is restricted to members.

Create an account or log in to continue reading.

Tracheoesophageal fistula

Oops! This section is restricted to members.

Create an account or log in to continue reading.

Join our email list!
For free OSCE tips and updates