The abdominal examination is conventionally split into four different stages: first, inspection of the patient and the visible characteristics of their abdomen.

The patient should be placed in an environment with good lighting, and should be draped with towels or sheets to preserve privacy and warmth.

[2] The patient's hips and knees should be flexed (in a bent position) so that their abdominal muscles remain relaxed during the examination.

[8] Unlike other physical exams, auscultation is performed prior to percussion or palpation, as both of these could alter the regularity of bowel sounds.

[3] Some controversy exists as to the length of time required to confirm or exclude bowel sounds, with suggested durations up to seven minutes.

There is no research evidence that reliably corroborates the assumed association between bowel sounds and gastro-intestinal motility status.

[11] Reactions that may indicate pathology include: Percussion can be performed in all four quadrants of the abdomen and may reveal a painful response by the patient.

During the abdominal examination, percussion may allow the estimation of location and quantity of gas, hard or soft masses, and sizes of certain organs, such as the liver and the spleen.

Dull sounds on the abdomen could suggest pregnancy, an ovarian tumor, a distended bladder, hepatomegaly or splenomegaly.