A 67-year-old male client is admitted to a health care facility with abdominal pain and suspected abdominal aneurysm. The client relates a 10-year history of high blood pressure and history of arterial insufficiency diagnosed 7 years ago. Following auscultation of the abdomen for bowel sounds, what other assessment should the nurse perform at this time?

Observe for evidence of increased abdominal girth.

Palpate the abdomen for masses, pulsations.

Auscultate for a friction rub.

Listen with the bell of the stethoscope for vascular sounds.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Observing for increased abdominal girth is important for conditions such as ascites but is not the priority assessment for a suspected abdominal aneurysm.
B. Palpating the abdomen for masses or pulsations is contraindicated in suspected abdominal aneurysms, as it may cause rupture.
C. Auscultating for a friction rub is used for liver or spleen inflammation and is not relevant in this case.
D. Listening with the bell of the stethoscope for vascular sounds is correct because an abdominal aneurysm may produce a bruit, which can be heard over the affected artery. This assessment helps confirm the presence of turbulent blood flow, a key sign of an aneurysm.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Using two middle fingers lightly applied to the thumb side of the wrist is correct. This technique ensures accurate detection of the radial pulse without excessive pressure, which could occlude the artery.
B. Firm pressure on the wrist along the fifth digit (ulnar side) is incorrect because the radial pulse is located on the thumb side of the wrist, not the ulnar side.
C. Using the bell of the stethoscope in the antecubital area is incorrect because this technique is used for blood pressure assessment, not radial pulse assessment.
D. Using the thumb and index finger to obliterate the pulse is incorrect because the thumb has its own pulse, which may lead to inaccurate readings.

A. Have the client lay on their left side. B. Ask the client to exhale and hold their breath. C. Encourage the client to raise their head off the pillow. D. Assist the client in flexing their knees.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Lying on the left side does not aid in abdominal palpation and may not provide additional diagnostic information.
B. Asking the client to exhale and hold their breath is useful in certain liver or gallbladder assessments but is not relevant for general abdominal palpation.
C. Raising the head off the pillow is a technique used to assess for diastasis recti or hernias but is not beneficial for assessing right lower quadrant pain.
D. Assisting the client in flexing their knees is correct because it relaxes the abdominal muscles, reducing guarding and making palpation more effective. This is especially important when assessing for conditions like appendicitis.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is assessing vital signs on a client admitted to the medical-surgical unit. What is the correct technique for assessing the radial pulse?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A student nurse is completing a radial pulse assessment on their client and is uncertain about the assessment findings and the amplitude of the pulses. What is the priority action by the student?

An older adult client has presented to the emergency department with signs and symptoms of dehydration. When assessing the client for risk factors that may have contributed to this condition, what question should the nurse prioritize?

A nurse is performing a comprehensive abdomen assessment including inspection, auscultation, and palpation. Upon palpation, the client's bladder is found to be distended. What location would the nurse begin palpating for the distended bladder?

While auscultating a client's trachea, the nurse hears a high, harsh sound with short inspiration and long expiration. How would the nurse document this finding?

A 45-year-old client with dark skin tone comes to the clinic complaining of fatigue, thirst, and frequent urination. During the examination, the nurse notices areas of hyperpigmentation around the neck and in the axillae. What is the priority intervention by the nurse?

The nurse is completing a health history on a client who is upset about having to answer questions. The client states, "Can't we just focus on my problem!" How should the nurse respond to the client regarding the need to gather this data?

After teaching a group of students about changes in body weight due to aging, the instructor determines that the students have understood the teaching when they state which of the following?