Abdominal distention?

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This may be a stupid question, but how do you determine the difference between abdominal distention and some extra fat in patients. Any tips?

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Specializes in SICU.

Fat is squishy and soft and the skin above it is not tight. With distention, the skin will be tight. It is easier to see on someone small as it can be seen before the skin becomes tight. Think of it as abdominal edema. Percussion can also help you to decide.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, IM, OB/GYN, neuro, GI.

I agree with the post above. The way we were taught was to push on your abdomen and feel what "normal" is. Then push your stomach out like your pregnant and press again that's similar to what it feels like when a patient's abdomen is distended. Just make sure if you push past the squishimess.

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Specializes in L&D, High Risk OB, OR, Med-Surg, PHN.

]When thumping on a the abd it sounds like a drum. Also have faint bowel sounds.

Lisa :trout:

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Specializes in cardiac/critical care/ informatics.

I have had to actually ask the patient if this is how thier abd feels normally. Especially some men that have a "beer belly". Otherwise what the ops have said.

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