When assessing the stomach, what does being able to indent indicate?

Being able to indent the stomach during assessment indicates that it has normal compliance and appropriate elasticity. This suggests that the stomach is functioning within its normal parameters, allowing for a degree of movement and responsiveness to palpation. Healthy stomach tissue typically has a certain level of pliability, which means it can be pushed in without resistance or discomfort, reflecting normal hydration, tone, and lack of tension within the muscular walls.

When the stomach feels indented, it typically does not indicate an issue such as enlargement or fullness with gas, both of which would likely result in resistance to palpation and a harder feel. An enlarged or abnormal stomach may present with rigidity or a firm texture, while a stomach filled with gas would also lack the pliability and allow for indentation. A rock-hard feeling during palpation suggests significant pathology or tension in the abdominal area, which would not be compatible with the normal indented findings.