A client reports experiencing stomach pain and it is localized in the middle section of the abdomen below the xiphoid process. The nurse should describe the pain as occurring in which region of the abdomen?
Epigastric region.
Hypogastric region.
Hypochondriac region.
Umbilical region.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Epigastric region is correct. The epigastric region is the area of the abdomen located between the lower part of the ribcage and the navel (umbilicus). Pain localized in the middle section of the abdomen below the xiphoid process corresponds to the epigastric region. This region encompasses the upper part of the stomach and the lower part of the esophagus, making it a common location for discomfort related to conditions such as gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Choice B Reason:
Hypogastric region is incorrect. The hypogastric region is located in the lower part of the abdomen, below the umbilical region. Pain in the hypogastric region typically corresponds to the lower abdomen, around the pubic bone, and may be associated with conditions such as bladder infections, menstrual cramps, or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Choice C Reason:
Hypochondriac region is incorrect. The hypochondriac regions are located on each side of the upper abdomen, beneath the ribs. Pain in the hypochondriac region may be associated with conditions affecting the liver, gallbladder, or spleen, but it does not correspond to the description provided by the client.
Choice D Reason:
Umbilical region is incorrect. The umbilical region is located around the navel (umbilicus) in the center of the abdomen. Pain in the umbilical region may be associated with conditions affecting the small intestine or structures around the navel, such as umbilical hernias. However, it does not specifically correspond to the description of pain below the xiphoid process in the middle section of the abdomen.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Having the client lay flat while listening to the anterior surface of the chest is incorrect because having the client lay flat may not be the most optimal position for auscultating lung sounds. While auscultation of the anterior surface of the chest is important, particularly for assessing the upper lobes of the lungs, having the client lay flat may not provide the best positioning for detecting all lung sounds, especially those located in the posterior lung fields.
Choice B Reason:
Using the bell of the stethoscope to listen to the lung fields over lower lobes is incorrect because using the bell of the stethoscope is more suitable for detecting low-frequency sounds such as heart murmurs or bruits. Adventitious lung sounds, such as crackles (rales) or wheezes, are typically high-pitched sounds that are best heard using the diaphragm of the stethoscope. Therefore, using the bell may not be the most effective technique for assessing adventitious lung sounds.
Choice C Reason:
Shaving all chest hair that may distort sounds heard through the diaphragm is incorrect because while removing chest hair may improve sound transmission for certain auscultatory findings, such as heart sounds, it is not specifically indicated for assessing adventitious lung sounds. Chest hair removal is not necessary for auscultation of lung sounds with the diaphragm of the stethoscope, as the sound transmission through chest hair is minimal and unlikely to significantly distort lung sounds.
Choice D Reason:
Pressing the stethoscope's diaphragm firmly on the skin over each lung field is correct because using the diaphragm of the stethoscope and pressing it firmly on the skin over each lung field ensures good contact with the chest wall, allowing for optimal transmission of lung sounds. Adventitious lung sounds, such as crackles or wheezes, are best heard using the diaphragm, particularly when it is applied firmly to the chest wall to minimize external noise and enhance sound transmission. Therefore, this technique is the most appropriate for assessing adventitious lung sounds during auscultation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Shrug shoulders against resistance is correct because cranial nerve XI, also known as the spinal accessory nerve, innervates the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles. Instructing the client to shrug their shoulders against resistance tests the strength and function of the trapezius muscle, which is primarily innervated by cranial nerve XI. Therefore, this instruction directly assesses the function of the cranial nerve XI.
Choice B Reason:
Stand up slowly with eyes closed is incorrect because standing up slowly with eyes closed primarily assesses proprioception and balance, which involve multiple cranial nerves and the vestibular system. While cranial nerve XI may play a role in maintaining posture and balance, it is not the primary nerve involved in this assessment.
Choice C Reason:
Turn head from side to side is incorrect because turning the head from side to side primarily assesses the function of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, which is also innervated by cranial nerve XI. However, this action alone does not provide resistance against which the muscle can contract, making it less specific for assessing cranial nerve XI compared to the instruction to shrug the shoulders against resistance.
Choice D Reason:
Raise both arms overhead incorrect because raising both arms overhead primarily assesses motor function and strength of the upper extremities, which do not directly involve the muscles innervated by cranial nerve XI. While the trapezius muscle may be indirectly involved in shoulder movement, this action does not specifically target the function of cranial nerve XI.
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