To confirm the presence of steatorrhea, which action should the nurse take?

Auscultate all quadrants of the client's abdomen.

Inspect the area around the client's umbilicus.

Lightly palpate areas of abdominal protuberance.

Observe the appearance of the client's stool.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   Auscultation of the abdomen involves listening to bowel sounds and can provide information about the gastrointestinal system's activity, such as whether there is increased or decreased motility. While important for assessing general bowel function, auscultation is not specific for confirming steatorrhea. It does not provide direct information about the presence of fat in the stool.
B.   Inspecting the area around the umbilicus may help in identifying other abdominal conditions, such as hernias or signs of ascites. However, it does not provide information about stool characteristics or fat content, so it is not the most appropriate action for confirming steatorrhea.
C.   Light palpation of areas of abdominal protuberance can help assess for abdominal masses or tenderness. While palpation can provide useful information about the abdominal organs and possible fluid accumulation, it does not give information about stool fat content.

D.   Observing the appearance of the client’s stool is the most direct method to confirm steatorrhea. Stool that is greasy, foul-smelling, and floats is characteristic of steatorrhea, indicating the presence of undigested fat. This observation directly assesses the presence of fat in the stool, making it the best action to confirm steatorrhea.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Inequality in muscle contraction is not related to the monofilament test, which assesses sensation rather than muscle strength or contraction. This finding would be more relevant to a neurological or musculoskeletal assessment rather than a sensory test.
B. An intention tremor is a type of tremor that occurs when a person is trying to make a precise movement, often associated with conditions affecting the cerebellum. This is not related to the monofilament test, which measures sensory perception and not motor function or tremors.

C. Slowed capillary refill is a sign of poor peripheral circulation and is assessed by pressing on the nail bed or skin and observing how long it takes for color to return. While it is important for assessing blood flow, it is not directly related to the monofilament test, which evaluates sensory function.
D. Loss of peripheral sensation is a direct and relevant finding for an abnormal response on the monofilament test. The monofilament test is designed to detect loss of sensation in the feet, which can be an indicator of diabetic neuropathy. An abnormal result, such as the inability to feel the monofilament or diminished sensation in certain areas, would indicate that the client is experiencing peripheral neuropathy.

A. History of seasonal allergies and nasal congestion. B. Amount and type of caffeinated drinks before bedtime. C. Urinary frequency and episodes of nocturia. D. Usual bed time and time of awakenings.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. A history of seasonal allergies and nasal congestion can affect sleep quality due to discomfort or breathing difficulties. While this information is relevant for identifying possible physical factors that might influence sleep, it is not the first piece of data to obtain when trying to understand the overall sleep pattern.
B. The consumption of caffeinated drinks before bedtime can significantly impact sleep quality. Caffeine is a stimulant that can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to difficulty falling asleep. This assessment is important, but it should follow an initial understanding of the client’s overall sleep schedule and habits to determine how much caffeine might be affecting their sleep.
C. Urinary frequency and nocturia (waking up frequently to urinate during the night) can interfere with sleep and contribute to disturbances. This information is valuable for identifying potential causes of disrupted sleep but is typically assessed after understanding the client’s basic sleep patterns and schedule.
D. Understanding the client’s usual bedtime and time of awakenings provides essential information about their sleep schedule and overall sleep patterns. This data is crucial as it establishes a baseline for assessing the client’s sleep routine and helps identify any deviations or irregularities in their sleep behavior.

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To confirm the presence of steatorrhea, which action should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is assessing a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus and observes an abnormal response when using a monofilament. Which finding should the nurse document that is consistent with an abnormal finding?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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