While providing the client with morning medications, the client reports new abdominal pain. What assessment question should the nurse ask next?

Inspection: Inspection is the first step in a respiratory assessment because it allows the nurse to observe the client’s overall respiratory effort, chest symmetry, use of accessory muscles, and breathing pattern. It is noninvasive and provides essential visual information about the client’s respiratory status before performing any physical manipulation.

• Percussion: Percussion is performed last because it involves tapping the chest to assess underlying tissue density and lung sounds, which can be uncomfortable for the client if done first. It provides additional information about areas of consolidation, fluid, or air in the lungs. Percussion is best completed after inspection, palpation, and auscultation, ensuring the assessment progresses from least to most invasive.

A. Murmurs: Heart murmurs are assessed through auscultation using a stethoscope, not inspection. Listening to heart sounds allows the nurse to detect abnormal blood flow or valvular issues.

B. Bruising and masses: Inspection is the primary method for identifying visible abnormalities such as bruising, skin discoloration, swelling, or masses. Careful observation allows the nurse to note location, size, shape, color, and symmetry.

C. Bowel sounds: Bowel sounds are assessed through auscultation, listening with a stethoscope to determine frequency and quality, not through visual inspection.

D. Rebound tenderness: Rebound tenderness is assessed through palpation, where the nurse applies and releases pressure to detect pain responses in the abdomen, rather than using inspection.