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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A, C, B, D, E
Explanation
A. Open the airway using a jaw-thrust maneuver: The first step in a primary survey is to assess the airway and ensure it is open. The jaw-thrust maneuver is used to open the airway without moving the neck in case of a potential cervical spine injury.
C. Determine effectiveness of ventilator efforts: Once the airway is open, the next step is to assess breathing. This includes observing for chest rise and fall, listening for breath sounds, and feeling for air movement.
B. Establish IV access: After the airway and breathing have been assessed, circulation is the next priority. This includes establishing IV access for fluid and medication administration.
D. Perform a Glasgow Coma Scale assessment: The Glasgow Coma Scale is used to assess the client’s level of consciousness, which is part of the disability assessment in the primary survey.
E. Remove clothing for a thorough assessment: Finally, removing the client’s clothing allows for a thorough assessment of injuries. This is typically done after the immediate life-threatening issues have been addressed.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Requesting an order for an antiemetic may be necessary if the client continues to experience nausea, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. Before administering medication, the nurse should assess the client's vital signs and overall condition to determine the appropriate intervention.
B. While a dietitian consult may be beneficial to address the client's nutritional needs, it is not the first action the nurse should take in response to the client's symptoms of nausea and weakness. Assessing the client's vital signs and condition should be the priority.
C. Suggesting that the client rests before eating the meal may be helpful, but it does not address the underlying cause of the client's symptoms. The nurse should first assess the client's vital signs to determine the severity of the symptoms and any potential complications.
D. Checking the client's vital signs is the first action the nurse should take in response to the client's symptoms of nausea and weakness. Vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, can provide valuable information about the client's hemodynamic status and help identify any potential complications, such as dehydration or worsening heart failure. Based on the vital signs assessment, the nurse can then implement appropriate interventions, such as notifying the healthcare provider or providing symptomatic relief.
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