A client with suspected hernia asks the nurse about the diagnostic tests that may be done to confirm the diagnosis. Which of the following responses by the nurse is accurate?
"A physical examination and medical history are usually sufficient to diagnose a hernia."
"Blood tests and urinalysis are commonly used to confirm the presence of a hernia."
"Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be ordered to visualize the hernia."
"A biopsy of the herniated tissue is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of a hernia."
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
While a physical examination and medical history can provide valuable information, imaging studies are often needed to visualize and confirm the presence of a hernia accurately.
Choice B reason:
Blood tests and urinalysis are not typically used to diagnose hernias. They may be ordered to assess for other conditions or rule out other possible causes of symptoms.
Choice C reason:
This statement is correct. Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI are commonly used to visualize and confirm the presence of a hernia, assess its size, location, and determine the most appropriate treatment.
Choice D reason:
A biopsy is not necessary to diagnose a hernia. A biopsy involves the removal of tissue for examination and is usually performed to assess for cancer or other abnormal growths.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While hernias can occur in infants and young children, they are not more common in this age group due to weak abdominal muscles. Inguinal hernias are more common in infants, but other types of hernias may have different age distributions.
Choice B reason:
This statement is correct. Hernias are primarily seen in older adults and the elderly due to age-related changes in connective tissues, such as a decrease in collagen and elastin fibers.
Choice C reason:
This statement is incorrect. Age is a significant risk factor for hernias, and they are more common in older adults.
Choice D reason:
Hernias are more common in older adults than in adolescents and young adults. Rapid growth during adolescence may increase the risk of certain types of hernias, but it is not the primary age group affected by hernias.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Having the client lift their legs while lying on their back is not a maneuver used to assess for a hiatal hernia. This position is more commonly used to assess for inguinal or femoral hernias in the groin area.
Choice B reason:
Palpating the abdomen for tender areas or masses is a general abdominal assessment and may not specifically assess for a hiatal hernia.
Choice C reason:
Auscultating for bowel sounds in all quadrants of the abdomen is also part of a general abdominal assessment and does not specifically target a hiatal hernia.
Choice D reason:
This statement is correct. Asking the client to take a deep breath and palpating the upper abdomen can help the nurse assess for a hiatal hernia. The nurse may feel for a soft bulge or protrusion in the upper abdominal area, which may indicate a hiatal hernia.
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