What is the first step in conducting an abdominal assessment?

The first step in conducting an abdominal assessment is to inspect the abdomen visually. This involves looking for any abnormalities such as swelling, discoloration, or signs of lesions. Inspecting allows the healthcare provider to gain important information about the patient's condition and to identify any visible issues that may require further examination.

By starting with inspection, the clinician can observe the overall contour of the abdomen, note any asymmetries, and assess the movement during respiration, which can all provide valuable diagnostic clues. After inspection, other methods such as auscultation, percussion, and palpation are performed, but they should only be done once inspection is complete to avoid altering bowel sounds or causing discomfort for the patient.