After placing a client in a supine position, the nurse uses the diaphragm of the stethoscope to auscultate bowel sounds and hears a loud, high pitched almost continuous gurgling in two quadrants. Which action should the nurse implement?
Elevate the head of the client's bed immediately.
Use the bell of the stethoscope to auscultate again.
Document the presence of borborygmi.
Auscultate the remaining two quadrants.
The Correct Answer is C
Answer: C. Document the presence of borborygmi.
Rationale:
A. Elevate the head of the client's bed immediately:
While elevating the head of the bed may be appropriate in certain situations, it is not the necessary immediate action in this context. The presence of loud, high-pitched bowel sounds does not indicate a need for repositioning the client. Instead, the nurse should first focus on assessing the findings before making any positional changes.
B. Use the bell of the stethoscope to auscultate again:
The bell of the stethoscope is typically used for lower frequency sounds, such as heart murmurs or certain vascular sounds. Since the nurse has already identified high-pitched bowel sounds using the diaphragm, switching to the bell is not appropriate for this situation. The diaphragm is better suited for detecting the types of sounds the nurse is hearing.
C. Document the presence of borborygmi:
Borborygmi refers to the loud, gurgling bowel sounds that can indicate increased intestinal activity. Documenting this finding is essential as it provides a clear record of the client's bowel sounds at this moment. This documentation can aid in monitoring the client's gastrointestinal function and is crucial for continuity of care.
D. Auscultate the remaining two quadrants:
While it is important to auscultate all quadrants to get a complete assessment of bowel sounds, the immediate action after hearing significant sounds in two quadrants is to document the findings. Continuing the assessment can follow, but the documentation serves as an important step in patient care and communication among the healthcare team.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
A) Palpate dorsal surface of feet for warmth:
Assessing the temperature of the dorsal surface of the feet helps determine peripheral circulation and can indicate whether the feet are indeed cold. Cold feet may suggest poor peripheral perfusion or circulation issues, which require further assessment.
B) Test feet for a positive Babinski reflex:
The Babinski reflex is typically tested to assess upper motor neuron dysfunction and is not directly relevant to evaluating the complaint of cold feet.
C) Measure skin elasticity around the ankles:
Measuring skin elasticity around the ankles may be relevant for assessing skin turgor and hydration status but is not specifically related to evaluating the client's complaint of cold feet.
D) Assess volume of the pedal pulses:
Assessing the volume of pedal pulses provides information about peripheral perfusion and circulation. Diminished or absent pedal pulses may indicate peripheral vascular disease or other circulatory issues contributing to cold feet. It's essential to evaluate the strength and symmetry of pedal pulses to determine peripheral vascular status.
E) Observe color of the feet and toes:
While observing the color of the feet and toes is important for assessing circulation and perfusion, it is not specific to evaluating the client's complaint of cold feet. However, color changes, such as pallor or cyanosis, may provide additional information about peripheral circulation and require further assessment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Obese, serious threat to well-being: A BMI of 32 kg/m² places the client in the category of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²). Obesity is a significant health concern associated with increased risks for various conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers. The client's BMI indicates that she is obese, which poses a serious threat to her overall well-being and health.
B) Appropriate weight for height, good general health: This is incorrect because a BMI of 32 kg/m² does not fall within the normal range of 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m². The client is not at an appropriate weight for her height and is not considered to be in good general health based on this BMI.
C) Extreme obesity, at risk for multiple co-morbidities: While a BMI of 32 kg/m² does indicate obesity, it does not reach the threshold for extreme obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²). Therefore, the client is not categorized as extremely obese, although she is still at risk for several co-morbidities associated with obesity.
D) Undernutrition, at risk for malnutrition: This is incorrect because a BMI of 32 kg/m² is indicative of excess weight, not undernutrition or malnutrition. The client's BMI suggests an over-nutrition status rather than undernutrition.
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