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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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.

A. Allow the patient to relax and then recheck the patient’s B/P in 5 minutes. B. Document the elevated B/P and notify the physician immediately C. Begin education related to hypertension (high B/P) D. Schedule the patient for follow-up visits for measurement and monitoring of patient’s blood pressure

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Allow the patient to relax and then recheck the patient’s B/P in 5 minutes:

The initial elevated blood pressure reading could be influenced by the patient's anxiety about visiting the doctor. Allowing the patient to relax and rechecking the blood pressure after a few minutes may provide a more accurate reading.

B. Document the elevated blood pressure and notify the physician immediately:

It is premature to immediately notify the physician based on a single elevated blood pressure reading. Reassessing after the patient has had time to relax is a reasonable approach before taking further action.

C. Begin education related to hypertension (high blood pressure):

While patient education is important, addressing the patient's anxiety and obtaining accurate blood pressure readings should be the initial focus.

D. Schedule the patient for follow-up visits for measurement and monitoring of the patient’s blood pressure:

Scheduling follow-up visits may be necessary based on subsequent assessments, but the immediate concern is to recheck the blood pressure after allowing the patient to relax.

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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

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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