The nurse is watching a new graduate nurse perform auscultation of a patient's abdomen. Which statement by the new graduate shows a correct understanding of the reason auscultation precedes percussion and palpation of the abdomen?

"We need to determine the areas of tenderness before using percussion and palpation."

"Auscultation allows the patient more time to relax and therefore be more comfortable with the physical examination."

"Auscultation prevents distortion of bowel sounds that might occur after percussion and palpation."

"Auscultation prevents distortion of vascular sounds, such as bruits and hums, that might occur after percussion and palpation."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Determine areas of tenderness: While identifying tenderness is important, it is not the reason for auscultating first.

B. Allows the patient to relax: Relaxation is helpful but not the primary reason for the sequence.

C. Prevents distortion of bowel sounds: Percussion and palpation can stimulate or suppress bowel sounds, leading to inaccurate findings if performed before auscultation.

D. Prevents distortion of vascular sounds: Vascular sounds (bruits) are less likely to be affected by percussion or palpation.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Pretibial edema: Edema is more indicative of venous function, not arterial function.

B. Palpate pedal pulses bilaterally: Palpation of the pedal pulses is essential to assess arterial circulation in the lower extremities.

C. Allen test: This assesses arterial blood flow to the hand, not the lower extremities.

D. Homan sign: Homan sign is used (though controversial) to assess for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is related to venous, not arterial, function.

A. Consider this finding as normal, and proceed with the examination. B. Describe this dullness as indicative of an enlarged liver, and refer him to a physician. C. Document the presence of hepatomegaly. D. Ask additional health history questions regarding his alcohol intake.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Normal finding: This is not a normal finding. Dullness in this area could indicate an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly), which requires further evaluation.

B. Enlarged liver: Dullness above the right costal margin, especially around 11 cm, is often associated with hepatomegaly. The nurse should refer the patient to a physician for further investigation.

C. Hepatomegaly: While the finding could suggest hepatomegaly, the diagnosis should be confirmed by a physician. The nurse should refer the patient for further evaluation.

D. Alcohol intake: While it is relevant to ask about alcohol intake in the context of liver health, the immediate action is to refer the patient for further examination by a physician.

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The nurse is watching a new graduate nurse perform auscultation of a patient's abdomen. Which statement by the new graduate shows a correct understanding of the reason auscultation precedes percussion and palpation of the abdomen?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which of the following should the nurse perform to assess the arterial function of the lower extremities?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A 45-year-old man is in the clinic for a physical examination. During the abdominal assessment, the nurse percusses the abdomen and notices an area of dullness above the right costal margin of approximately 11 cm. How should the nurse proceed?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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