The nurse is performing an admission assessment for a client with pyelonephritis who has urgency and burning while urinating. Which finding indicates an expected response when the nurse percusses the costovertebral angle?
Sharp, severe pain.
Audible thud without pain.
Rigidity and firmness.
Rebound tenderness.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Sharp, severe pain:
Percussion of the costovertebral angle (CVA) elicits sharp, severe pain in a client with pyelonephritis. This response indicates inflammation of the kidney and surrounding tissues, which is typical in pyelonephritis.
B) Audible thud without pain:
An audible thud without pain is a normal finding when percussing the CVA and would not be expected in a client with pyelonephritis.
C) Rigidity and firmness:
Rigidity and firmness may be related to muscle guarding or abdominal assessment findings, but they are not specific to CVA percussion and pyelonephritis.
D) Rebound tenderness:
Rebound tenderness is a sign of peritoneal irritation and is assessed by pressing on the abdomen and quickly releasing. It is not the typical finding associated with CVA percussion in pyelonephritis.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Inspection of head and neck is observed in a straight alignment without lateral curves:
This finding describes the normal alignment of the head and neck without lateral curves, indicating proper cervical spine alignment. While it provides information about cervical alignment, it does not directly suggest lifestyle habits that could contribute to neck stiffness and discomfort.
B) Evaluation of cranial nerve XI reveals flexion is maintained against full resistance:
Assessing cranial nerve XI (accessory nerve) involves testing the strength of the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles. While weakness in these muscles may indicate pathology affecting the nerve, it does not specifically relate to lifestyle habits contributing to neck stiffness and discomfort.
C) Observation of cervical range of motion reveals flexion and extension is 25 degrees:
Limited cervical range of motion, such as the restricted flexion and extension described, may suggest musculoskeletal issues or lifestyle habits contributing to neck stiffness and discomfort. Further inquiry into the client's lifestyle habits, such as occupational activities, posture, and exercise habits, would be warranted to identify potential factors contributing to limited cervical range of motion.
D) Palpation of the spinous processes and surrounding muscles are non-tender:
Non-tender palpation of the spinous processes and surrounding muscles suggests the absence of acute musculoskeletal issues or inflammation in the cervical spine region. While it rules out tenderness on palpation, it does not provide specific information about lifestyle habits that could contribute to neck stiffness and discomfort.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Answer: B. Place the dorsum of the hand on the client's forehead.
Rationale:
A) Ask the client to describe any other related symptoms.
While asking the client about symptoms related to fever, such as chills or sweating, can provide useful subjective information, it is not a reliable or objective method to confirm fever. Direct temperature measurement is needed for confirmation.
B) Place the dorsum of the hand on the client's forehead.
Placing the dorsum (back) of the hand on the client’s forehead is a common method to assess skin temperature. While this action provides a quick, non-invasive estimation of whether the client feels warm, it still requires confirmation with an actual temperature measurement using a thermometer for an objective assessment.
C) Use both hands to hold and palpate the client's hands.
Palpating the client's hands may provide information about extremity temperature or circulation, but it is not a reliable method for assessing core body temperature or confirming the presence of fever.
D) Lightly pinch a fold of skin over the client's sternum.
Pinching a fold of skin over the sternum assesses skin turgor, which is a measure of hydration and elasticity, not temperature. It does not provide any indication of whether the client has a fever.
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