The nurse is conducting a focused assessment of a client who is experiencing pain. Which question should the nurse ask the client?
When did your pain symptoms begin?"
"Do you think you know what caused the swelling?
"What brings you to the clinic today?"
"Can you go over what you said about nothing relieving the pain?
The Correct Answer is A
A. "When did your pain symptoms begin?" When conducting a focused assessment on pain, the nurse should gather specific details about the onset, location, duration, characteristics, and aggravating/relieving factors. Asking when the pain symptoms began helps clarify the onset, which is critical in assessing the pain's cause and severity.
B. "Do you think you know what caused the swelling?": This is less focused on pain and more on swelling, which may not be the client's main concern.
C. "What brings you to the clinic today?": While this is a good general question, it is not focused on pain and would not gather specific pain-related information.
D. "Can you go over what you said about nothing relieving the pain?": This question is not as open-ended or specific to a focused pain assessment as asking about onset.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Abdominal x-ray: While it can show gas or bowel obstructions, it is less effective for confirming fluid presence.
B. Shifting dullness: This physical exam technique can indicate fluid but is less accurate than ultrasound.
C. Fluid wave: This physical exam can help suggest the presence of fluid, but it is also less reliable than imaging studies.
D. Ultrasound: An ultrasound is the most accurate and non-invasive way to confirm the presence of fluid, such as ascites, in the abdomen. It provides detailed imaging and confirmation without invasive procedures.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. At the symphysis pubis: When the bladder is distended, it typically extends upward from the symphysis pubis. Therefore, the nurse should start palpation here to assess for bladder distention.
B. In the left lower quadrant: This location would be used to assess for structures like the descending colon or potential masses, not the bladder.
C. At the umbilicus: The bladder does not typically reach the umbilical region unless it is severely distended, making this less effective as a starting point.
D. In the right lower quadrant: This area is primarily used to assess structures such as the appendix or ascending colon, not the bladder.
What subjective assessment information in this client situation is the most important and immediate concern for the nurse?