The nurse is percussing a client's abdomen during a physical assessment. The nurse observes an area of dullness above the right costal margin of approximately 11 cm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Recognizes this dullness as indicative of an enlarged liver, and refers the client to a provider
Document the presence of hepatomegaly
Ask additional health history questions regarding alcohol intake
Recognizes this finding as normal, and proceed with the examination
The Correct Answer is A
A. Dullness above the right costal margin could indicate an enlarged liver. Referring the client to a healthcare provider is crucial for further evaluation and diagnosis.
B. Documenting hepatomegaly without further investigation or confirmation by a healthcare provider could be premature.
C. While alcohol intake can be a factor in liver conditions, additional history alone may not confirm the cause of the dullness. Direct evaluation by a healthcare provider is necessary.
D. Finding an area of dullness above the right costal margin, particularly of such magnitude, should prompt further investigation rather than being considered normal.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstruation, commonly associated with cramping in the lower abdomen.
B. Dysuria is painful or difficult urination, unrelated to menstrual pain.
C. Hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine, not associated with menstrual pain.
D. Dyschezia refers to painful bowel movements, not related to menstrual pain.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. One minute may not provide a sufficient duration to declare absent bowel sounds, especially if the client has a slower bowel motility.
B.
Listening for 10 minutes in each quadrant is excessive and not supported by clinical guidelines. It would unnecessarily delay care and increase patient discomfort.
C. One minute in each quadrant might not provide an adequate assessment time.
D. This is the correct answer because clinical guidelines recommend auscultating for at least 5 minutes in each quadrant before concluding that bowel sounds are absent. This ensures sufficient time to detect infrequent bowel sounds and accurately assess the situation.
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