A nurse is preparing to perform an abdominal assessment on a child. Identify the sequence the nurse should follow. (Move the steps into the box on the right, placing them in the selected order of performance. Use all the steps.)

Inspection:This is the first step because it allows the nurse to gather information through observation without causing any discomfort to the child. It involves looking at the child's abdomen for any visible abnormalities like distension, asymmetry, masses, or discoloration.

Auscultation:After inspection, the nurse listens to the bowel sounds using a stethoscope. This helps assess peristalsis (movement of food through the intestines) and identify potential problems like bowel obstruction or decreased motility.

Superficial Palpation:This gentle palpation helps assess muscle tone, tenderness, and masses. It's performed after auscultation to avoid altering bowel sounds. Since children are often apprehensive about abdominal exams, starting with a gentler touch can help them feel more comfortable.

Deep Palpation (if necessary):Deep palpation is reserved for last as it can be more uncomfortable for the child. It's used to assess for organomegaly (enlarged organs) or masses that may not be palpable with superficial palpation. It's only performed if there are indications from the first three steps.

Here's a breakdown of why this order is important:

Minimize Discomfort:Starting with non-invasive methods like inspection and auscultation helps establish trust and reduces anxiety in the child, making the overall assessment more cooperative.

Maintain Baseline Bowel Sounds:Palpation can alter bowel sounds, so it's important to listen to them first to get an accurate baseline.

Gradual Progression:Moving from gentle to deeper palpation allows the child to adjust to the sensation and helps the nurse identify potential areas of tenderness before applying deeper pressure.

A. Hypocalcemia: Hypocalcemia, or low levels of calcium in the blood, is not typically associated with an increased risk of urolithiasis. In fact, hypercalcemia, or high levels of calcium, is more commonly linked to the formation of calcium-based kidney stones.
B. Diuretic use: Diuretic medications can increase urine production and may contribute to dehydration, which can predispose individuals to the formation of kidney stones. However, diuretic use alone is not as significant a risk factor as other factors like dehydration or specific dietary habits.
C. Family history: Family history of urolithiasis is a significant risk factor for developing kidney stones. Genetic factors can influence the likelihood of stone formation, and individuals with a family history of kidney stones are at a higher risk of experiencing them themselves.
D. BMI less than 25: Obesity and higher BMI (body mass index) are associated with an increased risk of urolithiasis. Excess body weight can lead to metabolic changes that promote the formation of kidney stones. Therefore, having a BMI less than 25 is less likely to be a risk factor compared to having a higher BMI.