The nurse examines a client admitted with a deep, constant pain in the abdomen that radiates to the back. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

Intermittent pain on deep inspiration.

An audible abdominal bruit.

A bulge over umbilicus when coughing.

Hypoactive bowel sounds in all quadrants.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A.   Intermittent pain on deep inspiration could suggest pleuritic pain, which is related to the lungs or pleura rather than the abdomen. While this might be significant, it is less directly related to the client’s deep abdominal pain radiating to the back. This finding may be less urgent compared to other potential signs of serious abdominal pathology.

B.   An abdominal bruit is a sound heard over the abdomen due to turbulent blood flow, often associated with vascular abnormalities like aneurysms or significant arterial stenosis. An audible abdominal bruit, especially if associated with deep abdominal pain, could indicate a serious vascular condition such as an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
C.   A bulge over the umbilicus when coughing could indicate an umbilical hernia. While a hernia can be problematic and may require treatment, it is generally less urgent compared to findings that might suggest more acute or severe conditions like vascular issues.
D.   Hypoactive bowel sounds can indicate decreased gastrointestinal activity, which might be related to various conditions such as ileus or bowel obstruction. While this finding is significant and warrants attention, it is often less immediately critical compared to signs of serious vascular issues or acute abdominal pathology.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. A limping gait can be a sign of pain or discomfort while walking. By asking about pain while bearing weight, the nurse can get a better understanding of the underlying cause of the limp.
B. A limping gait is not typically associated with changes in level of consciousness. This assessment is not relevant in this situation.

C. While a spinal deformity can cause a limping gait, it is not the most likely cause in this case. The nurse should first assess for pain while bearing weight to get a better understanding of the underlying issue.
D. Orthostatic blood pressure is a measure of blood pressure changes when a person stands up. It is not typically associated with a limping gait and is not relevant in this situation.

A. Complete a mental status exam. B. Obtain a blood alcohol level. C. Inspect legs for infection or trauma. D. Inquire about dietary salt intake.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. The client’s current symptoms—pain, significant leg edema, and swelling—are more pressing and suggest a need to evaluate the physical cause of these symptoms rather than focusing immediately on mental status.
B. Obtaining a blood alcohol level might be relevant if there is a suspicion that recent alcohol use is contributing to the client’s condition or affecting his overall health. However, the primary concern in this case is the significant edema and pain in the left leg.
C. This is the most pertinent action to take first. The client’s symptoms of severe edema and pain in one leg, along with a history of CVA and alcohol abuse, raise concerns about possible causes such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), infection, or trauma. Inspecting the legs for signs of infection or trauma (bruising, cuts) is crucial to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms and guide appropriate treatment.

D. While excessive salt intake can contribute to fluid retention and edema, the degree of swelling described (4+ pitting edema) and the localized nature of the problem in the left leg make it less likely that dietary salt alone is the cause.

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The nurse examines a client admitted with a deep, constant pain in the abdomen that radiates to the back. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

During the admission assessment, the nurse observes that a client has a limping gait. Which assessment should the nurse complete next?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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