Before palpating the abdomen during an assessment, the nurse should do which of the following?

Put on sterile gloves

Elevate the client's head

Percuss all four quadrants

Auscultate bowel sounds

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Putting on sterile gloves is not necessary before palpating the abdomen. Sterile gloves are typically used for procedures that require an aseptic technique, such as inserting a catheter or performing a surgical procedure. Palpation of the abdomen is a non-sterile procedure, and clean gloves are usually sufficient to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.

Choice B reason: Elevating the client's head is not a standard preparatory step before palpating the abdomen. While it may be necessary to adjust the client's position for comfort or to assess certain areas, the head elevation is not specifically related to the palpation process. The client should be in a supine position with knees slightly bent to relax the abdominal muscles, which facilitates palpation.

Choice C reason: Percussion of all four quadrants is part of the abdominal assessment but is not the step that precedes palpation. Percussion is used to assess the size and density of abdominal organs, detect the presence of fluid or gas, and evaluate tenderness. However, the correct sequence of abdominal assessment is inspection, auscultation, percussion, and then palpation.

Choice D reason: Auscultating bowel sounds is the correct action before palpating the abdomen. This is because palpation can alter bowel motility, which may change the sounds heard. Auscultation should be performed after inspection and before percussion and palpation to obtain an accurate assessment of bowel activity. Normal bowel sounds range from 5 to 30 per minute and are characterized by clicks and gurgles.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: When a patient has an elevated temperature, the body is attempting to cool down through vasodilation, which is why the skin may appear flushed and feel warm. Removing excess blankets can help facilitate the body's natural cooling process. Offering fluids is also crucial as fever can lead to dehydration, especially if there is sweating. Adequate hydration helps regulate body temperature and replaces fluids lost through sweating. The normal body temperature range is typically between 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F). When the body temperature rises above this range, interventions such as removing blankets and providing fluids can be effective in reducing fever.

Choice B reason: Increasing the patient's activity is not advisable when they have an elevated temperature and are experiencing severe fatigue. Activity generates heat and can raise body temperature further, exacerbating the fever. Rest is recommended to conserve energy and reduce metabolic demand, which can help lower the body temperature.

Choice C reason: The use of ice bags can be a rapid cooling measure but must be used with caution. Direct application of ice to the skin can cause vasoconstriction and shivering, which can actually increase the body's core temperature. It is generally reserved for hyperthermia or heatstroke when immediate cooling is necessary. For a simple fever, less aggressive cooling measures are usually preferred.

Choice D reason: Decreasing the patient's intake is not appropriate unless there is a specific contraindication, such as vomiting or risk of aspiration. Adequate nutrition supports the immune system and provides the energy needed for the body to combat the underlying cause of the fever.

A. Wrap the dressing in a clear plastic bag and discard it in the bedside trash receptacle. B. Discard the dressing in the bedside trash receptacle. C. Place the dressing in a biohazardous waste container. D. Double bag the dressing, label it "biohazard," and send it for decontamination.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Wrapping the dressing in a clear plastic bag and discarding it in the bedside trash receptacle is not an appropriate method for disposing of soiled dressings. This approach does not comply with standard infection control protocols, as it could potentially expose healthcare workers and others to biohazardous materials.

Choice B reason: Simply discarding the dressing in the bedside trash receptacle is also inappropriate and unsafe. This method does not contain the biohazardous material properly and could lead to contamination and spread of infectious agents.

Choice C reason: Placing the dressing in a biohazardous waste container is the correct method for disposing of dressings saturated with blood and purulent drainage. According to infection control guidelines, materials that are soaked with potentially infectious agents should be disposed of in designated biohazardous waste containers. These containers are typically red or yellow and are labeled to indicate that they contain materials that require special handling.

Choice D reason: Double bagging the dressing, labeling it "biohazard," and sending it for decontamination is an unnecessary step for routine disposal of soiled dressings. While double bagging may be used in situations where there is a significant spill or leak risk, it is not typically required for standard disposal of wound dressings.

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Before palpating the abdomen during an assessment, the nurse should do which of the following?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient has an elevated temperature. The nurse assesses the patient and finds the skin flushed and very warm. The patient is oriented to person, place, time, and situation, and expresses severe fatigue. The most appropriate nursing action at this time would be to:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is removing a wound dressing that is saturated with blood and purulent drainage. Which of the following methods should the nurse use when disposing of the soiled dressing?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

For documenting vital signs, the following documentation made by the nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching:

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