A charge nurse is preparing to observe a newly licensed nurse perform a routine abdominal assessment. Which of the following actions should the charge nurse expect the newly licensed nurse to take?
Place the client in a dorsal recumbent position for the examination.
Auscultate for vascular bruits with the diaphragm of the stethoscope.
Begin the assessment by using light palpation over the abdomen.
Ensure that the client has a full bladder before beginning the procedure.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is Choice A: Place the client in a dorsal recumbent position for the examination.
Choice A rationale:
The dorsal recumbent position, where the client lies on their back with knees bent and feet flat on the bed, is ideal for abdominal assessments. This position helps relax the abdominal muscles, making it easier to palpate and auscultate the abdomen.
Choice B rationale:
Auscultating for vascular bruits should be done with the bell of the stethoscope, not the diaphragm. The bell is more sensitive to low-frequency sounds like bruits.
Choice C rationale:
The assessment should begin with inspection and auscultation before palpation. Palpation can alter bowel sounds, leading to inaccurate findings.
Choice D rationale:
The client should have an empty bladder before the assessment to avoid discomfort and ensure accurate findings.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Request crutches from a medical equipment provider. This choice is not appropriate for a client with left-sided weakness due to a stroke. Crutches are primarily used for lower extremity support and would not address the client's mobility and safety needs related to their left-sided weakness.
Choice B rationale:
Advise the client to install grab bars in the bathroom at home. This is the correct choice. Installing grab bars in the bathroom will enhance the client's safety and independence. Left-sided weakness can result in balance issues, and having grab bars near the toilet and in the shower can help prevent falls and provide the client with support while using these facilities. This intervention promotes the client's functional autonomy and reduces the risk of injury.
Choice C rationale:
Encourage the client to allow a home care aide to perform ADLs for them. While it might be necessary for a client with severe disability to receive assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), the question does not provide enough information to suggest that the client's condition warrants this level of intervention. Encouraging independence is generally preferred to maintain the client's self-esteem and engagement in daily life activities.
Choice D rationale:
Contact hospice to provide follow-up care for the client. Hospice care is intended for clients with terminal illnesses who are in the final stages of life. A client who has had a stroke and is experiencing left-sided weakness does not automatically qualify for hospice care. The client's condition can be managed with rehabilitation and support, and hospice care is not appropriate in this context.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The client who had abdominal surgery 3 days ago reporting feeling constipated is an important assessment, but an inability to void after indwelling urinary catheter removal takes precedence due to the risk of urinary retention and potential complications such as bladder distention.
Choice B rationale:
The client who had a hip replacement reporting pain as 4 on a scale of 0 to 10 requires assessment and intervention, but an inability to void is a higher priority concern due to the potential impact on renal function and the urinary system.
Choice C rationale:
The client who had an indwelling urinary catheter removed 8 hours ago reporting an inability to void is the correct choice. This situation raises concerns about urinary retention, which can lead to serious complications such as bladder distention, urinary tract infections, and potential damage to the urinary system.
Choice D rationale:
The client scheduled for discharge today expressing readiness to sign paperwork is not an urgent concern compared to the other options. While discharge planning is important, addressing potential physiological issues takes precedence over administrative tasks.
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