The client is brought into the emergency room (ER) by paramedics with blunt trauma to the left upper side of the abdomen due to a motor vehicle accident. The ER nurse knows what organ is most likely impacted.
appendix
left ureter
left lobe of liver
sigmoid colon
The Correct Answer is C
A. Appendix: Located in the right lower quadrant, the appendix is unlikely to be impacted in left upper quadrant trauma.
B. Left ureter: The left ureter is located lower in the abdomen along the flank area and is not directly impacted in the left upper quadrant.
C. Left lobe of liver: The liver’s left lobe extends into the left upper quadrant, making it a likely organ to be impacted in blunt trauma to this area, particularly given its large size and location near the abdominal wall.
D. Sigmoid colon: Positioned lower in the left lower quadrant, the sigmoid colon is less likely to be affected by left upper abdominal trauma.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Percussion, inspection, palpation, auscultation: This sequence could disturb bowel sounds by percussing before auscultation, making it difficult to assess them accurately.
B. Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation: Palpating before auscultating can alter bowel sounds, so it’s not the correct order.
C. Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation: This sequence is recommended for abdominal assessment to avoid altering bowel sounds. Inspection is done first to observe any visible abnormalities, followed by auscultation to listen to bowel sounds before palpating or percussing, which could disrupt the sounds.
D. Auscultation, inspection, palpation, percussion: Inspection should always be first, making this option incorrect as it begins with auscultation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Appendix: Located in the right lower quadrant, the appendix is unlikely to be impacted in left upper quadrant trauma.
B. Left ureter: The left ureter is located lower in the abdomen along the flank area and is not directly impacted in the left upper quadrant.
C. Left lobe of liver: The liver’s left lobe extends into the left upper quadrant, making it a likely organ to be impacted in blunt trauma to this area, particularly given its large size and location near the abdominal wall.
D. Sigmoid colon: Positioned lower in the left lower quadrant, the sigmoid colon is less likely to be affected by left upper abdominal trauma.
What subjective assessment information in this client situation is the most important and immediate concern for the nurse?