paediatric examination of the gastrointestinal system
Last reviewed 01/2018
The examination of the gastrointestinal system in children is very similar to the adult examination, although the order of events is not so formalised and can be changed to suit conditions. In particular, examination of a painful abdomen is left until the end, and rectal examinations do not form a mandatory part of the examination.
Fun can be introduced in the receptive child with games such as trying to guess what the child had for breakfast.
In addition there are some other important features which should always be noted:
- the state of hydration
- the state of nutrition; good indicators of this include the weight and height in the context of previous measurements