A nurse is performing an abdominal assessment as part of a client’s comprehensive physical examination. Which of the following is the final step the nurse should perform?

Percussion

Auscultation

Palpation

Inspection

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Percussion precedes palpation to assess abdominal resonance and organ size without altering bowel motility. Performing it last risks inaccurate findings, as palpation may stimulate peristalsis, changing resonance patterns. This sequence ensures reliable detection of abnormalities like organomegaly or fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
Choice B reason: Auscultation is done before palpation to capture natural bowel sounds. Manipulation during palpation can alter peristalsis, affecting auscultatory findings. Early auscultation ensures accurate detection of hypoactive or hyperactive bowel sounds, critical for diagnosing conditions like ileus or obstruction in abdominal assessments.
Choice C reason: Palpation is the final step, following inspection, auscultation, and percussion, to assess for tenderness or masses. This sequence prevents manipulation from altering earlier findings, ensuring accurate identification of abdominal abnormalities like peritonitis or organ enlargement, critical for a comprehensive physical examination.
Choice D reason: Inspection is the first step, providing a visual baseline of abdominal appearance, such as distension or scars. Performing it last misses initial cues guiding subsequent steps. Early inspection ensures no manipulation affects visual assessment, vital for identifying external signs of underlying abdominal pathology.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Hypernatremia is unlikely with 0.45% sodium chloride, a hypotonic solution that dilutes serum sodium. Over-infusion risks hyponatremia, not high sodium levels. Monitoring for hypernatremia is inappropriate, as the solution’s low sodium content does not contribute to elevated sodium in fluid therapy.
Choice B reason: Assessing for fluid overload is essential, as 0.45% sodium chloride, being hypotonic, can cause water to shift into cells, risking pulmonary or cerebral edema. This is critical in clients with renal or cardiac issues, where monitoring for dyspnea or swelling ensures safe fluid administration.
Choice C reason: Hypoglycemia is not directly linked to 0.45% sodium chloride, which affects fluid and electrolytes, not glucose. Fluid shifts may indirectly stress metabolism, but hypoglycemia relates to fasting or insulin issues, making this an inappropriate focus for monitoring in this fluid therapy context.
Choice D reason: Dehydration is unlikely, as 0.45% sodium chloride provides free water, promoting hydration. It corrects hypernatremia or replaces fluid losses. Evaluating for dehydration is unnecessary unless infusion is inadequate or losses persist, which is not indicated in the context of this hypotonic solution.

A. Place the client upright on a donut-shaped cushion. B. Turn and reposition the client every 15 minutes while sitting. C. Apply a moisture-barrier cream to the affected area. D. Turn and reposition the client every 3 hours while in bed.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Using a donut-shaped cushion is not recommended, as it can increase pressure on surrounding tissues, worsening ischemia in the ischial area. Nonblanchable erythema indicates early pressure injury, requiring pressure relief and skin protection. This intervention risks further tissue damage, making it inappropriate for managing the client’s condition.
Choice B reason: Repositioning every 15 minutes while sitting is excessive and impractical, potentially causing discomfort or skin shear. For paraplegic clients, repositioning every 1-2 hours while sitting, combined with pressure-relieving cushions, prevents progression of nonblanchable erythema. This frequency is not evidence-based for pressure injury prevention, making it incorrect.
Choice C reason: Applying moisture-barrier cream protects the skin from breakdown in the presence of nonblanchable erythema, an early stage of pressure injury. For paraplegic clients, who are at high risk due to immobility, this intervention reduces moisture-related damage and supports skin integrity, aligning with evidence-based pressure injury prevention strategies.
Choice D reason: Repositioning every 3 hours in bed is insufficient for a paraplegic client with nonblanchable erythema, as guidelines recommend every 2 hours to relieve pressure. Prolonged pressure risks advancing tissue damage, especially in high-risk areas like the ischium. This intervention is inadequate for preventing pressure injury progression.

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A nurse is performing an abdominal assessment as part of a client’s comprehensive physical examination. Which of the following is the final step the nurse should perform?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving 0.45% sodium chloride. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse working on a surgical unit is developing a care plan for a client who has paraplegia. The client has an area of nonblanchable erythema over his ischium. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the care plan?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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