When assessing the abdomen, which assessment technique is used last?

percussion

auscultation

palpation

inspection

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Percussion: Percussion is typically performed before palpation. It helps to detect differences in density of abdominal contents, fluid presence, and gas patterns.

B. Auscultation: Auscultation is performed before any palpation or percussion to prevent altering bowel sounds. It is typically the second step after inspection.

C. Palpation: Palpation is used last during an abdominal assessment to prevent altering the characteristics of bowel sounds and to ensure that any tenderness or abnormal masses are identified after a thorough initial assessment. Palpation can cause changes in bowel sounds and tenderness.

D. Inspection: Inspection is always the first step in any physical examination. It allows for a visual assessment of the abdomen, looking for distension, asymmetry, and skin changes.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Inspection: Inspection is always the first step in any physical examination, including abdominal assessments. It allows the nurse to visually assess the abdomen for distension, asymmetry, discoloration, or other abnormalities.

B. Percussion: Percussion is performed after inspection and auscultation. It helps assess the density of abdominal contents but should not be the first step.

C. Palpation: Palpation is performed last in an abdominal exam to avoid altering bowel sounds and causing discomfort. It should be done after inspection, auscultation, and percussion.

D. Auscultation: Auscultation is typically the second step after inspection to listen for bowel sounds before palpation and percussion, which might alter them.

A. Document "impaired oxygenation" on the nursing care plan. B. Auscultate the chest for breath sounds. C. Collaborate with the client to form goals. D. Apply supplemental oxygen by face mask as needed.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Document "impaired oxygenation" on the nursing care plan: While this may be appropriate based on assessment findings, it's premature to document without conducting a thorough assessment first.

B. Auscultate the chest for breath sounds: This is a critical component of assessing respiratory function, especially in a client with pneumonia, to identify abnormal breath sounds such as crackles or diminished breath sounds.

C. Collaborate with the client to form goals: Goal setting typically comes after assessment data is collected and analyzed.

D. Apply supplemental oxygen by face mask as needed: This action should be based on assessment findings indicating the need for oxygen therapy, not assumed without assessment.

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When assessing the abdomen, which assessment technique is used last?

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