A nurse assesses a patient’s abdomen. Which examination technique would aid the nurse in determining whether gas (air) in the bowel is causing distention rather than constipation?

Choice A reason: Saying “That must be terrible” and suggesting a pinched nerve is dismissive and assumes a cause without assessment. Exploring the pain’s impact gathers critical data, so this is incorrect for an appropriate response.

Choice B reason: Asking about family reactions shifts focus from the patient’s experience and is less relevant initially. Assessing how the pain affects daily activities provides functional insight, so this is not the best response for pain assessment.

Choice C reason: Sharing personal experience can seem empathetic, but it this risks bias and doesn’t assess the patient’s pain. Asking about daily activity impact is more patient-centered, so this is incorrect for professional response.

Choice D reason: Asking how pain affects daily activities encourages the patient to describe the pain’s severity and impact, aiding assessment and planning. This open-ended, patient-focused response is therapeutic, making it the correct choice for the nurse’s reply.

Choice A reason: A complete physical exam is comprehensive but not specific to initial nutritional screening. Height and weight history provide BMI, a quick nutritional indicator, so this is not the first assessment.

Choice B reason: Height and weight history are critical for initial nutritional screening, enabling BMI calculation to assess undernutrition or obesity. This is a standard, quick method, making it the correct first step.

Choice C reason: Calorie counting is detailed and time-consuming, unsuitable for initial screening. Height and weight offer a rapid baseline for nutritional status, so this is incorrect for the first step.

Choice D reason: Leg circumference may assess muscle mass but is not standard for initial nutritional screening. Height and weight are primary for BMI, so this is incorrect for the initial assessment.