The nurse understands, when performing an abdominal assessment, which order is correct:
Percussion, inspection, palpation, and auscultation
Inspection, auscultation, palpation, and percussion
Inspection, palpation, auscultation, and percussion
Palpation, auscultation, inspection, and percussion
The Correct Answer is B
A. Percussion, inspection, palpation, and auscultation: Beginning with percussion before visually inspecting the abdomen disrupts the standard flow of assessment; inspection is normally the first step to note contour, scars, or distension.
B. Inspection, auscultation, palpation, and percussion: Starting with inspection then auscultation follows recommended practice (listen before you manipulate); percussion and palpation are then listed, but most textbook guidance places percussion before palpation to avoid altering bowel sounds.
C. Inspection, palpation, auscultation, and percussion: Palpation before auscultation can change bowel sounds and is generally avoided because palpation may introduce or alter bowel noises.
D. Palpation, auscultation, inspection, and percussion: Palpation first can disturb findings and inspection should come before hands-on techniques; this sequence does not follow standard abdominal assessment order.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Cutaneous pain: Cutaneous pain originates from the skin and is superficial; while it may be described as burning, this scenario after amputation more commonly reflects a nerve-origin phenomenon.
B. Neuropathic pain: Burning, shooting, or electric-like sensations after nerve injury or amputation (including phantom limb pain) are characteristic of neuropathic pain caused by peripheral/central nervous system changes.
C. Visceral pain: Visceral pain arises from internal organs and is usually dull, poorly localized, and not described as a localized burning on a limb after amputation.
D. Somatic pain: Somatic pain comes from muscles, bones, joints, or connective tissue and is usually localized aching or throbbing; phantom/burning sensations after amputation are classically neuropathic.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Heart rate of 77: A heart rate of 77 bpm is within normal resting range for many adults and would not typically demand immediate intervention.
B. Urine output of 300 ml in 24-hour: 300 ml in 24 hours is markedly low (oliguria); inadequate urine output may indicate hypovolemia, renal impairment, or obstruction and requires immediate assessment and intervention.
C. Temperature of 99.2 oral: 99.2°F is a low-grade elevation and can be common after surgery; it is not usually an immediate emergency at 24 hours post-op.
D. Pain rating 3 on 1–10 pain scale: A pain score of 3 is mild/moderate and typically managed with routine analgesia and reassessment rather than immediate urgent action.
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