A nurse is planning to collect data about the abdomen of a client who reports "stomach pain". Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Percuss
Auscultate.
Palpate.
Inspect
The Correct Answer is D
A. Percuss:
Percussion involves tapping the abdomen with the fingers to assess for areas of dullness or resonance. Dullness might indicate organ enlargement or mass, while resonance is the typical sound over air-filled structures. This step helps identify the borders and size of organs.
B. Auscultate:
Auscultation involves listening to the abdomen using a stethoscope. The nurse listens for bowel sounds, which are the noises made by the movement of the intestines. Absence or abnormal bowel sounds can indicate intestinal obstruction or other gastrointestinal issues.
C. Palpate:
Palpation involves gently pressing the abdomen to assess for tenderness, masses, or areas of discomfort. This step helps identify areas of pain or tenderness, guarding, or rigidity, which might indicate inflammation, infection, or other abdominal issues.
D. Inspect:
Inspection involves visually assessing the abdomen for any visible abnormalities such as scars, distention, pulsations, or visible masses. It's the first step in the abdominal assessment process as it provides initial information about the overall condition of the abdomen before physical contact.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Diabetes mellitus
Diabetes mellitus can cause easy bruising and slow wound healing, but it is not typically associated with frequent nosebleeds.
B. Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A primarily affects the liver and does not cause frequent bruising and nosebleeds.
C. Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver tissue due to long-term liver damage, can lead to impaired liver function. One consequence of cirrhosis is decreased production of clotting factors, which can result in easy bruising. Additionally, the enlarged spleen in cirrhosis can lead to thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), contributing to bleeding tendencies, including nosebleeds. Cirrhosis is the most likely condition given the symptoms described.
D. Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder and is not directly associated with frequent bruising and nosebleeds.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "I will take the medication for diarrhea."
This statement is incorrect. Docusate sodium is not used to treat diarrhea; it is a stool softener used to relieve constipation.
B. "I will have soft stools 1 to 3 days after starting this medication."
This statement indicates that the client understands the purpose of docusate sodium, which is a stool softener used to prevent constipation and to soften stool. It typically takes 1 to 3 days for the medication to produce the desired effect of softer stools.
C. "I will drink one half glass of water when I take the medication."
This statement is partially correct. Taking docusate sodium with a full glass of water is recommended, not half a glass, to ensure that the medication is properly absorbed and to prevent throat irritation.
D. "I can take this medication with mineral oil."
This statement is incorrect. Docusate sodium should not be taken with mineral oil because it can increase the absorption of mineral oil, leading to systemic effects.
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