A nurse is preparing to obtain a blood sample from an adult client for a capillary blood glucose test. Which of the following sites should the nurse select?

Choice A reason:

Observing the contours of the client’s abdomen using a penlight is the first step in the abdominal assessment. This step involves inspecting the shape, skin abnormalities, masses, and movement of the abdomen. It is essential to perform this step first to gather initial visual information about the abdomen’s condition before proceeding to other assessment techniques.

Choice B reason:

Determining the presence of bowel sounds by using the diaphragm of the stethoscope is the second step in the abdominal assessment. Auscultation should be performed before percussion and palpation to avoid altering the frequency and intensity of bowel sounds. This step helps assess the presence, frequency, and location of bowel sounds, as well as any vascular sounds.

Choice C reason:

Systematically percussing the client’s abdomen is the third step in the abdominal assessment. Percussion helps assess the presence of tympany or dullness, which can indicate the presence of air, fluid, or solid masses in the abdomen. This step provides valuable information about the underlying structures and any abnormalities.

Choice D reason:

Using fingertips to lightly depress the right lower quadrant of the client’s abdomen is the fourth step in the abdominal assessment. Light palpation helps assess the consistency, tenderness, and presence of any masses or rigidity in the abdomen. This step should be performed after percussion to avoid altering the findings.

Choice E reason:

Pressing deeply into the client’s upper abdomen left of midline to detect aortic pulsation is the fifth and final step in the abdominal assessment. Deep palpation helps assess the presence of any deep-seated masses and the aortic pulsation, which can provide information about the vascular status of the abdomen.

Choice A Reason:

Using extension cords to prevent overloading circuits is not a recommended safety practice. Extension cords can pose tripping hazards and may not be designed to handle the electrical load of multiple devices, which can lead to overheating and potential fire risks.

Choice B Reason:

Obtaining a raised toilet seat for the bathroom is a practical safety measure for older adults. It helps reduce the risk of falls by making it easier for individuals with limited mobility to sit down and stand up from the toilet. This modification can significantly enhance bathroom safety.

Choice C Reason:

Covering slippery stairs with an area rug is not advisable. Area rugs can slip and create additional hazards. Instead, using non-slip treads or securing the rug with non-slip backing is a safer alternative.

Choice D Reason:

Securing loose wires under carpeting is not recommended. This practice can create a fire hazard and make it difficult to access the wires if needed. It’s better to use cable management solutions that keep wires organized and out of the way without hiding them under carpeting.