During a physical assessment a nurse inspects a patient’s abdomen. What assessment technique would the nurse perform next?

Palpation

The order does not matter

Auscultation

Percussion

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Palpation:

Palpation involves using the hands to feel for tenderness, masses, or abnormalities in the abdomen. It is typically performed after auscultation. This helps prevent stimulating bowel activity before listening to bowel sounds.

B. The order does not matter:

In the context of abdominal assessment, the order does matter. Following a specific sequence, such as inspection, auscultation, palpation, and then percussion, is recommended to ensure a comprehensive and accurate assessment.

C. Auscultation:

Auscultation involves listening to bowel sounds using a stethoscope. It is the next step after inspection. Listening to bowel sounds before palpation helps avoid artificially stimulating bowel activity.

D. Percussion:

Percussion involves tapping the abdomen to assess for the presence of fluid or air. While less commonly performed in routine abdominal assessments, it is usually the last technique after inspection, auscultation, and palpation.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Discard the bottle of saline and obtain a new bottle:

Sterility is crucial when performing a sterile procedure. If the saline solution has been opened for 48 hours, it may no longer be considered sterile. The nurse's priority is to use a fresh, sterile bottle of saline to ensure aseptic technique during the dressing change.

B. Lip the bottle of saline over the trash before pouring into the field:

Lipping the bottle over the trash is not a recommended practice. Pouring the saline over a sterile field is the appropriate way to maintain the sterility of the solution.

C. Pour the saline at least 6 inches above the sterile field:

While pouring from a height can help generate a flow without contamination, the priority in this situation is to address the sterility of the saline. It's crucial to start with a new, unopened bottle.

D. Be sure the label is facing the palm before pouring:

The orientation of the label is not the primary concern in this scenario. The primary concern is the sterility of the saline solution.

A. Pulse B. Temperature C. Blood Pressure D. Respirations

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Pulse:

A pulse rate of 88 bpm is within the normal range. While it's important to monitor the pulse for changes, the reported pulse rate does not raise immediate concerns.

B. Temperature:

An oral temperature of 99.2 degrees Fahrenheit is within the normal range. While it's slightly elevated, it might be influenced by various factors, and isolated temperature readings are not as urgent as other vital signs.

C. Blood Pressure:

A blood pressure reading of 178/112 mm Hg is significantly elevated. High blood pressure is a major concern due to the potential risks it poses to the cardiovascular system, kidneys, and other organs. Immediate attention and further assessment are needed.

D. Respirations:

Respiratory rate of 18 bpm is within the normal range. While it's important to monitor respiratory rate, the reported rate does not raise immediate concerns.

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During a physical assessment a nurse inspects a patient’s abdomen. What assessment technique would the nurse perform next?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse on the progressive care unit is preparing to perform a sterile wet to dry dressing change on a client with a sacral pressure ulcer. The nurse notes that the sterile saline at the bedside is marked as opened 48 hours ago. What is the nurse’s priority action?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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