A nurse inspects the abdomen for skin color, contour, surface characteristics, and symmetry.
What part of the abdominal assessment does the nurse perform next?

Choice A rationale

Memory loss is more commonly associated with neurological conditions, vitamin B12 deficiency, or aging, rather than a lack of dietary fiber. Fiber primarily affects the digestive system and blood sugar control, not cognitive function.

Choice B rationale

Bleeding gums are typically a sign of vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) or poor oral hygiene leading to gingivitis. While overall nutrition is important for oral health, a lack of fiber specifically does not directly cause bleeding gums.

Choice C rationale

Brittle hair can be a symptom of various nutritional deficiencies, including protein, biotin, and iron, but it is not a primary indicator of inadequate fiber intake. Fiber mainly impacts bowel function and glucose metabolism.

Choice D rationale

Constipation, characterized by infrequent or difficult bowel movements, is a well-established consequence of inadequate dietary fiber intake. Fiber adds bulk to the stool, absorbs water, and facilitates peristalsis, the muscular contractions that move stool through the intestines. A lack of fiber can lead to harder, drier stools that are more difficult to pass. .

Choice A rationale

While a sudden and significant asymmetry in breast size or shape could indicate a new issue such as inflammation or a growth and warrants investigation, a slight, long-standing asymmetry is quite common among women. It does not automatically signify a pathological condition.

Choice B rationale

It is a well-established fact that many women have some degree of natural asymmetry in their breast size and shape. However, it is crucial for the nurse to ascertain if this finding is new for the patient. A recent change in asymmetry could be a sign of a developing condition that requires further evaluation.

Choice C rationale

While any new or significant asymmetry should be evaluated by a physician to rule out underlying issues, a long-standing, slight asymmetry is a common physiological variation and does not necessarily require immediate referral unless other concerning signs or symptoms are present.

Choice D rationale

Breastfeeding can sometimes cause temporary changes in breast size due to milk production and engorgement, and one breast might produce slightly more milk than the other. However, a noticeable and persistent asymmetry might predate breastfeeding or persist beyond it, and while it might be benign, attributing it solely to breastfeeding without further assessment of its history is not prudent. .