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.)
Superficial palpation
Auscultation
Inspection
Deep palpation
The Correct Answer is C, B, A, D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Secure the restraints to the lowest bar of the side rail:
This is incorrect. Restraints should not be secured to the side rails of the bed because the client may injure themselves by attempting to climb over the side rail or if the bed adjusts, it can cause excessive pressure on the restrained limb.
B. Ensure four fingers under the restraints to prevent constriction:
This is incorrect. The nurse should be able to slide two fingers under the restraint to ensure it is not too tight, rather than four fingers. Restraining too loosely may allow the client to slip out, while restraining too tightly can cause tissue damage or compromise circulation.
C. Secure the restraints using a quick-release tie:
This is the correct action. Restraints should always have quick-release ties to allow for quick removal in case of an emergency or if the client needs to be repositioned or assisted. Velcro or buckle restraints with quick-release mechanisms are commonly used to ensure easy removal.
D. Anticipate removing the restraints every 4 hr:
While it's essential to regularly assess the need for continued restraint use and ensure restraints are not overly restrictive, there's no set time interval for removing restraints. Restraints should be removed as soon as they are no longer necessary to ensure the client's safety and comfort.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. This statement reflects guilt or concern over potential harm to the child, which may be distressing but does not specifically indicate symptoms of PTSD related to combat exposure.
B. This statement describes nightmares or intrusive thoughts related to traumatic events, which are common symptoms of PTSD. The content of the dreams suggests re-experiencing of traumatic events, which is characteristic of PTSD.
C. This statement reflects hypervigilance and paranoia, common symptoms of PTSD. The client's behavior of checking rooms for potential threats indicates a heightened state of arousal and persistent fear related to past combat experiences.
D. While involvement in combat and actions such as killing enemy soldiers may contribute to the development of PTSD, this statement does not directly reflect symptoms of the disorder. Instead, it describes a specific event from the client's military experience. Symptoms of PTSD typically involve re-experiencing, avoidance, negative changes in mood and cognition, and hyperarousal.
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