A client reports experiencing stomach pain and it is localized in the middle section of the abdomen below the xiphoid process. The nurse should describe the pain as occurring in which region of the abdomen?
Epigastric region.
Hypogastric region.
Hypochondriac region.
Umbilical region.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Epigastric region is correct. The epigastric region is the area of the abdomen located between the lower part of the ribcage and the navel (umbilicus). Pain localized in the middle section of the abdomen below the xiphoid process corresponds to the epigastric region. This region encompasses the upper part of the stomach and the lower part of the esophagus, making it a common location for discomfort related to conditions such as gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Choice B Reason:
Hypogastric region is incorrect. The hypogastric region is located in the lower part of the abdomen, below the umbilical region. Pain in the hypogastric region typically corresponds to the lower abdomen, around the pubic bone, and may be associated with conditions such as bladder infections, menstrual cramps, or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Choice C Reason:
Hypochondriac region is incorrect. The hypochondriac regions are located on each side of the upper abdomen, beneath the ribs. Pain in the hypochondriac region may be associated with conditions affecting the liver, gallbladder, or spleen, but it does not correspond to the description provided by the client.
Choice D Reason:
Umbilical region is incorrect. The umbilical region is located around the navel (umbilicus) in the center of the abdomen. Pain in the umbilical region may be associated with conditions affecting the small intestine or structures around the navel, such as umbilical hernias. However, it does not specifically correspond to the description of pain below the xiphoid process in the middle section of the abdomen.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Checking the reading after the other nurse leaves the room is inappropriate. This option suggests waiting until the other nurse leaves to check the reading again. However, there's no guarantee that the discrepancy will resolve itself, and waiting might delay necessary intervention if there is indeed a pulse deficit. Therefore, this option does not address the immediate need for clarification.
Choice B Reason:
Documenting a pulse deficit of 16 beats per minute is inappropriate. While there appears to be a difference between the apical and radial pulse readings, it's important to verify the accuracy of the measurements before documenting a pulse deficit. Documenting without confirmation could lead to inaccurate information in the patient's medical record.
Choice C Reason:
Reporting the results to the healthcare provider without confirming the accuracy of the measurements may lead to unnecessary concern or intervention. It's essential to ensure that the findings are accurate before reporting them to the healthcare provider.
Choice D Reason:
Repeating the assessment to obtain another reading is appropriate. This option prioritizes patient safety by acknowledging the need to confirm the accuracy of the measurements. Repeating the assessment allows the nurses to ensure consistency and reliability in their findings before taking further action or reporting to the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Ask about recent abdominal trauma: in this case, the depressed umbilicus is a normal finding, so no further action related to trauma assessment is necessary.
Choice B Reason:
Palpate the area for masses: Palpating the area for masses is a good practice during abdominal assessments. However, in the context of a depressed umbilicus, this finding is not indicative of an abnormal mass. Therefore, palpation is not specifically warranted.
Choice C Reason:
Document the normal finding: Correct! A depressed umbilicus that lies below the surface of the abdomen is considered a normal variation. Documenting this finding ensures accurate and comprehensive assessment documentation.
Choice D Reason:
Observe the midline for scarring: While observing the midline for scarring is relevant in some situations (such as assessing for surgical scars), it’s not directly related to the depressed umbilicus. Therefore, this action is not necessary based on the specific finding described.
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