The nurse is preparing to assess the posterior tibial pulse.
Where is the correct location for palpation?

In the groove behind the inner ankle.

In the inguinal area.

On top of the foot.

Behind the knee.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale

The posterior tibial pulse is located in the groove between the medial malleolus (inner ankle bone) and the Achilles tendon. Palpating this pulse requires a gentle but firm touch to identify the arterial pulsations. It is a common site for assessing peripheral circulation and is essential for evaluating lower extremity perfusion.

Choice B rationale

The inguinal area is the anatomical region of the groin, where the femoral pulse is located. The femoral pulse is palpable just below the inguinal ligament, midway between the anterior superior iliac spine and the pubic symphysis. This is a central pulse site, distinct from the posterior tibial pulse.

Choice C rationale

The top of the foot is where the dorsalis pedis pulse is located. This pulse is found lateral to the extensor hallucis longus tendon, over the metatarsal bones. It is another important site for assessing lower extremity perfusion but is different from the posterior tibial pulse.

Choice D rationale

Behind the knee is the location for palpating the popliteal pulse. This pulse is more difficult to assess due to its deep location within the popliteal fossa. It requires the patient's knee to be slightly flexed to relax the muscles and facilitate palpation.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Pain sensation behind the eyes, particularly during palpation of the frontal or ethmoid sinuses, suggests inflammation or infection within these sinuses. Under normal conditions, healthy paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities and should not elicit pain upon palpation.

Choice B rationale

Pain during palpation of any sinus area is indicative of sinusitis or inflammation. The presence of pain signifies pressure buildup, mucosal edema, or infection within the sinus cavities. Normal findings would not involve pain, but rather a sensation of mild pressure.

Choice C rationale

Normal findings during sinus palpation should elicit a sensation of pressure but no pain or tenderness. This indicates that the sinuses are air-filled, patent, and free from inflammation or congestion. The pressure is a result of the gentle digital compression over the bony structures.

Choice D rationale

Tingling along the nose and eyes is not a typical sensation associated with normal sinus palpation. This sensation might suggest neurological irritation, such as nerve compression or neuropathy, rather than a direct physiological response from the paranasal sinuses themselves.

A. We need to determine areas of tenderness before using percussion and palpation. B. It prevents distortion of bowel sounds that might occur after percussion and palpation. C. It allows the patient more time to relax and therefore be more comfortable with the physical examination. D. This prevents distortion of vascular sounds such as bruits and hums that might occur after percussion and palpation.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Determining areas of tenderness is typically done through palpation, which should follow auscultation to avoid altering bowel sounds. Performing palpation first could elicit guarding or muscle rigidity, making subsequent auscultation less accurate and potentially increasing patient discomfort.

Choice B rationale

Auscultation precedes percussion and palpation of the abdomen to ensure that bowel sounds are not artificially stimulated or inhibited. Mechanical manipulation of the abdomen through percussion and palpation can alter the frequency and character of bowel sounds, leading to inaccurate assessment of intestinal motility.

Choice C rationale

While patient comfort is important, the primary reason for the sequence of abdominal assessment is scientific accuracy. Manipulating the abdomen prior to auscultation can stimulate peristalsis, creating false-positive bowel sounds or increasing existing ones, thus obscuring the true baseline activity.

Choice D rationale

Distortion of vascular sounds like bruits and hums is less likely to be significantly affected by percussion and palpation compared to bowel sounds. Vascular sounds originate from blood flow dynamics, which are not as readily influenced by external mechanical manipulation as the peristaltic activity of the intestines.

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The nurse is preparing to assess the posterior tibial pulse. Where is the correct location for palpation?

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The nurse is preparing to assess the posterior tibial pulse.
Where is the correct location for palpation?