SNT in a medical context typically stands for Soft, Non-Tender. This abbreviation is commonly used during physical examinations, particularly when assessing the abdomen. It describes a finding where the examined area feels soft to the touch and does not elicit pain when palpated.
Understanding "Soft, Non-Tender"
When a physician or other healthcare professional examines a patient, especially the abdomen, they use palpation (touching and feeling) to assess the underlying organs and tissues. "Soft, Non-Tender" (SNT) is a descriptive term used in documentation to indicate the absence of certain concerning signs.
- Soft: This refers to the muscle tone of the abdominal wall. A soft abdomen is normal and suggests there is no guarding (involuntary tensing of the abdominal muscles) or rigidity, which could indicate inflammation or infection.
- Non-Tender: This means the patient does not experience pain when the examiner applies pressure to the abdomen. Tenderness can be a sign of underlying inflammation, infection, or other pathology.
Example in a Medical Note
A physician might write in their notes: "Abdomen: SNT. No guarding or rebound tenderness." This indicates a normal abdominal examination concerning those specific findings. The absence of guarding (voluntary or involuntary muscle tensing) and rebound tenderness (pain upon sudden release of pressure) further supports the conclusion that the abdomen appears healthy upon palpation.
Importance of Context
While SNT is generally a positive finding, it's important to remember that it's just one piece of the diagnostic puzzle. A patient may still have an underlying medical condition even if their abdomen is SNT. The physician will consider other symptoms, medical history, and examination findings to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
