What was the result of palpation of the bladder?

The outcome of palpation of the bladder indicating that it is not palpable suggests that the bladder is in a normal state, likely empty or not significantly filled. A non-palpable bladder typically means that there is no distention or enlargement, which is considered a normal finding in patients who do not have urinary retention or other underlying issues.

In a healthy individual, especially if they have recently voided, the bladder may not be detected during a physical examination since it is located in the pelvis and can be completely empty. This finding can help rule out conditions such as bladder distention, which would present when the bladder is full and palpable.

In contrast, other options imply varying states of fullness or abnormalities. For example, a palpable and distended bladder would indicate retention, often associated with an inability to void. Noting a normal size suggests that the bladder is neither overly full nor empty but may not accurately reflect the clinical context compared to the non-palpable finding. A palpable but empty bladder would also denote an abnormality, signaling potential issues that would not be present in a healthy, non-palpable bladder scenario. This distinction is crucial for assessing urinary health and identifying potential medical concerns.