While conducting an abdominal assessment, the nurse notes dullness on percussion when the patient turns from the supine position to the right side. How should the nurse interpret this finding?
1. The patient is exhibiting normal findings.
2. The patient is exhibiting signs consistent with ascites.
3. The patient is exhibiting signs consistent with a bowel obstruction.
4. The patient is exhibiting signs consistent with hepatomegaly.
Correct Answer: 2
The patient is exhibiting evidence of ascites. The dullness on percussion is present with position changes. This is not a normal finding. Percussion of a side-lying patient is not used to assess for a bowel obstruction or hepatomegaly.
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If a test standard is valid and the criteria for discriminating a positive from a negative test remain constant, what else will remain constant?
1. Sensitivity 2. Specificity 3. Reliability 4. Accuracy