A nurse performs an abdominal assessment on 4 patients. Which of the following would be considered a normal abdominal assessment?
Abdomen nondistended, soft, with active bowel sounds in all four quadrants.
Abdomen distended, firm, with hypoactive bowel sounds in all four quadrants.
Abdomen distended, soft, with hyperactive bowel sounds in all four quadrants.
Abdomen nondistended, firm, with hypoactive bowel sounds in all four quadrants.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A This is considered a normal abdominal assessment. The abdomen is soft and not distended, and bowel sounds are present and normal in all four quadrants.
Choice B Abdominal distension and firmness may indicate possible bowel obstruction or other gastrointestinal issues. Hypoactive bowel sounds suggest reduced motility, which is not normal.
Choice C Abdominal distension with hyperactive bowel sounds may indicate gastrointestinal irritation or increased motility, which is not normal.
Choice D A firm abdomen with hypoactive bowel sounds is not typical of a normal abdominal assessment.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A The shape of the abdomen is a physical assessment finding and not subjective
information provided by the patient. It involves the nurse's observation of the patient's abdomen during the examination.
Choice B Bowel sounds are also physical assessment findings that involve the nurse listening to the patient's abdomen using a stethoscope.
Choice C This is the correct answer. Abdominal cramping and discomfort are subjective symptoms reported by the patient and are relevant to the patient's bowel elimination status. Choice D Like the shape of the abdomen, the distention of the abdomen is a physical assessment finding and not subjective information provided by the patient.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A This range of bowel sounds is considered normal. Hyperactive bowel sounds refer to an increased frequency and intensity of bowel sounds, exceeding the upper limit of the normal range.
Choice B Bowel sounds less than the normal range might indicate decreased bowel motility but are not associated with hyperactive bowel sounds.
Choice C Absent bowel sounds would be concerning and may indicate an ileus or other gastrointestinal issue, but it is not associated with hyperactive bowel sounds.
Choice D Hyperactive bowel sounds are characterized by an increased frequency and intensity of bowel sounds, exceeding the normal range, and are likely to be documented in a patient with abdominal pain.
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