A nurse is checking a client's bowel sounds. At which of the following times should the nurse auscultate the client's abdomen?
Prior to percussing the abdomen
Prior to inspecting the abdomen
After checking int kidney tenderness
After palpating the abdomen
The Correct Answer is A
A. Prior to percussing the abdomen
Bowel sounds are typically auscultated before performing any other abdominal assessments. This allows the nurse to get an accurate representation of the client's bowel activity without any interference from other assessment techniques.
B. Prior to inspecting the abdomen
Inspecting the abdomen involves observing for any visible abnormalities, such as distension or lesions. Bowel sounds are auscultated first to get an initial sense of the client's gastrointestinal activity.
C. After checking for kidney tenderness
Kidney tenderness assessment is not directly related to bowel sounds. These assessments are separate and do not impact each other's sequence.
D. After palpating the abdomen
Palpating the abdomen should be done after auscultation. Palpation can stimulate bowel activity, potentially altering the natural bowel sounds. Therefore, it is essential to auscultate the abdomen before palpating it.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Docusate:
Docusate is a stool softener used to prevent constipation and straining during bowel movements. It is not typically used as a treatment for acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis.
B. A bowel cathartic medication:
Bowel cathartic medications are laxatives that promote bowel movements. They are generally not used to treat acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis and can sometimes worsen symptoms in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease.
C. Aspirin:
Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can worsen symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease and is generally avoided in individuals with ulcerative colitis.
D. A corticosteroid medication:
This is the correct answer. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are often used to reduce inflammation in the colon during acute exacerbations of ulcerative colitis. They help in managing the symptoms and promoting healing of the inflamed intestinal lining.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Prior to percussing the abdomen:
Before percussing, the nurse should listen to bowel sounds. Percussion, a technique used to assess the density of underlying structures, can create vibrations that might interfere with accurate bowel sound assessment.
B. Prior to inspecting the abdomen:
Inspecting the abdomen involves visually assessing the abdominal area for any signs of distension, lesions, or abnormal movements. Bowel sounds are auscultated prior to inspection to avoid stimulating the bowels, which might affect the accuracy of the assessment.
C. After checking for kidney tenderness:
Checking for kidney tenderness, often done by gently percussing the costovertebral angle (CVA), is a separate assessment and does not interfere with bowel sound auscultation. However, bowel sounds are usually assessed before performing any other abdominal assessments to get the most accurate baseline data.
D. After palpating the abdomen:
Palpation involves gently pressing different areas of the abdomen to assess for tenderness, masses, or organ enlargement. Similar to inspection and percussion, palpation can stimulate bowel sounds, so it's essential to auscultate bowel sounds before palpating the abdomen to avoid any interference.
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