After this course, you should seek to:

• List and describe key structures of the lower abdomen and pelvis (genitourinary and other     local viscera)
• Outline the principal properties, relations and functional interactions of these structures
• Assess their status via case history, observation and appropriate testing
• Demonstrate key psychomotor skills relevant to your examination of the above
• Apply yourself to a novel theoretical clinical situation, demonstrating a synthesis of               abdomen-related knowledge and skills, testing any hypotheses you generate
• Explicitly analyse your diagnostic process, reflecting on its strengths and weaknesses
• Evaluate the bearing of these processes on your subsequent physiotherapeutic care

NB the above may be the subject of formative or summative assessment, in line with prevailing professional bodies' guidelines


References

Visit as many of the references shown below as possible prior to your course. These are drawn from a variety of texts and take a range of forms (pictorial, textual and tabular). Our intention is to provide you with an assortment of information sources that you can choose from - and that you can match to your own learning style.

Context leading to examination procedure: Ref 7 pp 1803-1810

Clinical manifestation of swelling: Ref 4 p 320

Detailed examination procedure: Ref 1 pp 192-209

Bring your own:

Bright pen torch
Tongue depressors
Stethoscope (Littmann type preferable)

Indications: Unexplained lower abdominal, pelvic or lumbo-sacral pain
Abnormal sexual characteristics
Unexplained weight loss
Abnormal urination or bowel habit

• Structures involved
Inguinal structures
Urinary structures
Reproductive structures
Vital surface anatomy of the above

• Observation
What initial information can you gain about the above structures from a patient’s breath, face, skin and overall posture?

• History
We will uncover the significance of dysuria, incontinence, altered urinary habit or menses. Important questions re previous personal and family history

• Systemic ill-health
Just how are other systems related to dysfunction of the structures under discussion? (e.g. genito-urinary, neural and skeletal interactions)

• Specific observation
Learn what you should be looking out for in the hands, eyes and body. What might abnormally swollen abdomen or ankles tell you about pelvic function?

• ‘Hands - on’ examination
Accurate and informative examination of the lower abdomen, pelvis and associated structures using palpatory and other manual skills. Is the bladder enlarged? Does that inguinal ‘lump’ mean that referral is needed?

Please note that no internal examination will be carried out on this course

• Altered abdominopelvic function - terminology
Record and communicate your findings accurately and succinctly using accepted terms