The nurse is preparing to examine a patient who has been reporting right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain.
Which technique is correct during the assessment?
Palpate the tender area first and then auscultate for bowel sounds.
Examine the tender area last.
Examine the tender area first.
Avoid palpating the tender area altogether.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Palpating the tender area first can cause increased pain and muscle guarding, potentially interfering with the subsequent auscultation of bowel sounds. It is important to auscultate before palpation to avoid altering the natural bowel sounds.
Choice B rationale
Examining the tender area last minimizes the client's discomfort and reduces the likelihood of muscle guarding affecting the assessment of other abdominal areas. This systematic approach allows for a more accurate evaluation of non-tender regions before focusing on the area of complaint.
Choice C rationale
Examining the tender area first will likely cause the patient increased discomfort, leading to muscle guarding that can make it difficult to accurately assess other areas of the abdomen. This approach can also make the patient apprehensive and less cooperative for the remainder of the examination.
Choice D rationale
Avoiding palpation of the tender area altogether would result in an incomplete assessment. Palpation is crucial for evaluating tenderness, masses, and organomegaly in the area of the patient's pain. Modifying the order of assessment is preferred over complete avoidance.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["2"]
Explanation
Step 1 is: The physician ordered 40 mg of pantoprazole.
Step 2 is: The available tablets are 20 mg each.
Step 3 is: To find the number of tablets needed, divide the ordered dose by the available dose: 40 mg ÷ 20 mg/tablet.
Step 4 is: 40 ÷ 20 = 2. Final Answer: The nurse will administer 2 tablets. .
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Auscultation of the abdomen for bowel sounds should be performed prior to any manipulation such as inspection, palpation, or percussion. Palpation and percussion can stimulate or inhibit bowel motility, potentially altering the sounds heard and leading to an inaccurate assessment of baseline bowel activity.
Choice B rationale
Palpating the abdomen involves applying pressure, which can stimulate bowel motility and increase bowel sounds. Auscultating after palpation might not reflect the client's true baseline bowel sounds.
Choice C rationale
Checking for kidney tenderness involves percussing the costovertebral angle, which is located on the back and does not directly impact bowel sounds. However, it is still a form of manipulation that should ideally occur after auscultation of the abdomen to avoid any potential influence on bowel sounds.
Choice D rationale
Percussion of the abdomen involves tapping the abdominal surface to assess underlying structures. This manipulation can also alter bowel motility and the characteristics of bowel sounds. Therefore, auscultation should precede percussion for an accurate assessment.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.