Which of the following is a rule for abdominal palpation?

The correct approach to abdominal palpation involves the methodical use of touch to assess the abdominal organs and structures. The guideline associated with abdominal palpation emphasizes the importance of a gentle approach to ensure the comfort and safety of the animal.

Using fingertips during palpation is often necessary to detect subtle changes in the abdominal organs, and it is essential to apply appropriate pressure to gather accurate information about the condition of the abdomen. Therefore, avoiding the use of fingertips would limit the palpation technique and could result in missed findings or discomfort for the animal.

In contrast, a gentle approach at all times allows the practitioner to assess the abdominal cavity without causing distress, and palpating only after auscultation is not a strict rule, since one can assess the abdomen either before or after auscultation, depending on the clinical protocol. In cats, while both hands may provide support, it is not a hard-and-fast rule, as singular hand approaches can also be effective.