A nurse is caring for a client with a suspected incisional hernia. The nurse is preparing the client for an imaging study to confirm the diagnosis. Which of the following imaging studies is most commonly used for assessing incisional hernias?

Choice A reason:

This statement is not accurate. Small incisions from laparoscopic hernia repair will heal, but they may leave small scars at the incision sites.

Choice B reason:

This statement is correct. Clients who undergo laparoscopic hernia repair may notice small scars at the incision sites, but these scars tend to fade over time.

Choice C reason:

While surgeons use special techniques to close laparoscopic incisions, it is unlikely that there will be no scars at all. Small scars are a normal outcome of this type of surgery.

Choice D reason:

Applying vitamin E oil to the incision sites may be helpful for some individuals, but it is not a guaranteed method to prevent scarring. Scarring is a natural part of the healing process after surgery.

Choice A reason:

Ultrasound may be used to assess some types of hernias, but it is not the most commonly used imaging study for assessing incisional hernias.

Choice B reason:

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) provides detailed images and may be used for assessing hernias, but it is not the most commonly used imaging study for incisional hernias.

Choice C reason:

This statement is correct. A CT (Computed Tomography) scan is most commonly used to assess incisional hernias as it provides detailed cross-sectional images of the abdominal wall and herniated tissues.

Choice D reason:

X-rays are not typically used to assess incisional hernias. X-rays provide limited information on soft tissues and are more commonly used for bone-related assessments.