When assessing the abdomen, which characteristic indicates a potential issue?

Firmness in the abdomen can indicate a potential medical issue that requires further evaluation. Normally, the abdomen should feel soft and pliable; a firm abdomen may suggest the presence of underlying problems such as inflammation, internal bleeding, or organ distension. Conditions such as appendicitis, pancreatitis, or a bowel obstruction often manifest as abdominal rigidity or tenderness upon assessment.

In contrast, a soft abdomen is typically considered normal, and regular shape and normal color are also indicators of a healthy assessment. These characteristics do not usually raise immediate concerns and thus are not indicative of a potential issue like a firm abdomen would be. Assessing the abdomen for firmness helps in identifying situations that may require urgent medical attention.