Test the abdominal reflexes by lightly but briskly stroking each side of the abdomen, above (T8, T9, T10) and below (T10, T11, T12) the umbilicus in the directions illustrated (Fig. 1). 

Use a key, the wooden end of a cottontipped applicator, or a tongue blade twisted and split longitudinally. Note the contraction of the abdominal muscles and movement of the umbilicus toward the stimulus. If obesity or previous abdominal surgery masks the abdominal reflexes, retract the patient's umbilicus away from the side being tested with your finger and feel for the muscular contraction.

FIGURE 1. Test the abdominal reflexes.

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