The nurse is caring for two clients who both are in pain due to sickle cell anemia. One of the clients rates the pain as a 7 out of 10 (0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain possible). This client is moving around easily and is eating well, but has asked for pain medication. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

When assessing the heart, the nurse will inspect and palpate the precordium, which is the area of the chest overlying the heart, and the PMI (point of maximal impulse), which is the point on the chest where the heartbeat is the strongest. These assessments allow the nurse to gather information about the size, shape, and location of the heart and to detect any abnormalities in the heartbeat or rhythm. The peritoneum is a membrane lining the abdominal cavity and has no relevance in the assessment of the heart. The tricuspid area and left sternal border are areas of the chest that may be auscultated to assess heart sounds but are not palpated during a heart assessment.

The nurse would describe this as tinnitus, which is a sensation of hearing sound when no external sound is present. Tinnitus is commonly described as ringing in the ears, but can also be perceived as buzzing, humming, hissing, or other sounds. Tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, including age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, ear infections, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, or head and neck injuries. It is important for the patient to see a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.