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. "The oral medication you will take after this IV will dissolve the clot": This statement is incorrect. While anticoagulants like warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) may be prescribed to prevent the formation of new clots or to treat existing clots, heparin, whether administered intravenously or subcutaneously, is not typically used to dissolve existing clots.
B. "A pharmacist is the person to answer that question": This response deflects the client's question and does not provide useful information. While pharmacists are knowledgeable about medications, nurses are responsible for educating clients about their treatments and should be able to provide accurate information regarding heparin therapy.
C. "Heparin does not dissolve clots. It stops new clots from forming": This is the correct response. Heparin is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting the formation of new clots rather than dissolving existing ones. It does so by inhibiting the activity of clotting factors in the blood, thus preventing the clot from enlarging or new clots from forming.
D. "It usually takes heparin at least 2 to 3 days to reach a therapeutic blood level": While this statement provides information about the time required for heparin to achieve a therapeutic effect, it does not address the client's specific question about clot dissolution. Heparin's anticoagulant effects occur rapidly, but its primary action is prevention rather than dissolution of existing clots.

A. "If you don't do your share of the work, I will have to inform the nurse manager" B. "Several staff members have commented that you don't do your fair share of the work." C. "I need to talk to you about unit expectations regarding delegating and completing tasks." D. "You have been very inconsiderate of others by not completing your share of the work."

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. "If you don't do your share of the work, I will have to inform the nurse manager"
This statement uses a threatening tone and may escalate the conflict. It does not promote open communication or collaboration to resolve the issue. Additionally, threatening to inform the nurse manager immediately can create a hostile work environment.
B. "Several staff members have commented that you don't do your fair share of the work."
While it's important to address concerns, singling out the staff nurse in front of others may cause embarrassment and defensiveness. It's better to address the issue privately to avoid further conflict and maintain professionalism.
C. "I need to talk to you about unit expectations regarding delegating and completing tasks."
This statement acknowledges the need for a discussion about unit expectations regarding delegating and completing tasks. By expressing the intention to have a conversation, it opens the door for dialogue and collaboration between the charge nurse and the staff nurse. This approach promotes a supportive and constructive environment for resolving conflicts and addressing concerns.
D. "You have been very inconsiderate of others by not completing your share of the work."
This statement is accusatory and confrontational, which can lead to defensiveness and resistance from the staff nurse. It does not facilitate effective communication or problem-solving. Constructive dialogue is essential for addressing conflicts and finding mutually beneficial solutions.

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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 has thrombophlebitis and is receiving heparin by continuous IV infusion. The client asks the nurse how long it will take for the heparin to dissolve the clot. Which of the following responses should the nurse give?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A charge nurse notes that a staff nurse delegates an unfair share of tasks to the assistive personnel (AP) and the nurses on next shift report the staff nurse frequently leaves tasks uncompleted. Which of the following statements should the charge nurse make to resolve this conflict?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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