A nurse is preparing to perform an abdominal assessment on a child. Identify the sequence the nurse should follow. (Move the steps into the box on the right, placing them in the selected order of performance. Use all the steps.)

Superficial palpation

Auscultation

Inspection

Deep palpation

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C, B, A, D

Inspection: This is the first step because it allows the nurse to gather information through observation without causing any discomfort to the child. It involves looking at the child's abdomen for any visible abnormalities like distension, asymmetry, masses, or discoloration.

Auscultation: After inspection, the nurse listens to the bowel sounds using a stethoscope. This helps assess peristalsis (movement of food through the intestines) and identify potential problems like bowel obstruction or decreased motility.

Superficial Palpation: This gentle palpation helps assess muscle tone, tenderness, and masses. It's performed after auscultation to avoid altering bowel sounds. Since children are often apprehensive about abdominal exams, starting with a gentler touch can help them feel more comfortable.

Deep Palpation (if necessary): Deep palpation is reserved for last as it can be more uncomfortable for the child. It's used to assess for organomegaly (enlarged organs) or masses that may not be palpable with superficial palpation. It's only performed if there are indications from the first three steps.

Here's a breakdown of why this order is important:

Minimize Discomfort: Starting with non-invasive methods like inspection and auscultation helps establish trust and reduces anxiety in the child, making the overall assessment more cooperative.

Maintain Baseline Bowel Sounds: Palpation can alter bowel sounds, so it's important to listen to them first to get an accurate baseline.

Gradual Progression: Moving from gentle to deeper palpation allows the child to adjust to the sensation and helps the nurse identify potential areas of tenderness before applying deeper pressure.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. This statement reflects guilt or concern over potential harm to the child, which may be distressing but does not specifically indicate symptoms of PTSD related to combat exposure.
B. This statement describes nightmares or intrusive thoughts related to traumatic events, which are common symptoms of PTSD. The content of the dreams suggests re-experiencing of traumatic events, which is characteristic of PTSD.
C. This statement reflects hypervigilance and paranoia, common symptoms of PTSD. The client's behavior of checking rooms for potential threats indicates a heightened state of arousal and persistent fear related to past combat experiences.
D. While involvement in combat and actions such as killing enemy soldiers may contribute to the development of PTSD, this statement does not directly reflect symptoms of the disorder. Instead, it describes a specific event from the client's military experience. Symptoms of PTSD typically involve re-experiencing, avoidance, negative changes in mood and cognition, and hyperarousal.

A. Fidelity B. Veracity C. Utilitarianism D. Non-maleficence

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Fidelity: Fidelity refers to the duty to fulfill one's commitments and obligations. While important in nursing practice, fidelity is not directly applicable to the decision not to administer pain medication in this scenario.
B. Veracity: Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty in communication. While it is important for the nurse to communicate honestly with the client and their family about the risks and benefits of pain management, the decision not to administer pain medication is primarily based on the principle of non-maleficence.
C. Utilitarianism: Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest number of people. While pain relief may contribute to the overall well-being of the client, the decision not to administer pain medication in this scenario is more closely aligned with the principle of non-maleficence, as it focuses on avoiding harm to the individual client.
D. Non-maleficence: Non-maleficence is the ethical principle that emphasizes the duty to do no harm. In this situation, the nurse's primary concern is to avoid causing harm to the client. Administering pain medication to relieve suffering, even if it might hasten death, aligns with the principle of non-maleficence because the intent is to alleviate suffering and provide comfort to the dying client.

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A nurse is preparing to perform an abdominal assessment on a child. Identify the sequence the nurse should follow. (Move the steps into the box on the right, placing them in the selected order of performance. Use all the steps.)

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who was involved in heavy combat and observed war casualties. The nurse should suspect that the client is suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if the client makes which of the following statements?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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