A patient in the emergency department is complaining of left lower abdominal pain. The comprehensive abdominal examination would include, in proper order, which of the following?
a. Inspection, palpation, auscultation
b. Percussion, inspection, auscultation
c. Inspection, palpation, percussion
d. Inspection, auscultation, palpation
ANS: D
The order of an abdominal examination differs slightly from that of other assessments. Begin with inspection and follow with auscultation. By using auscultation before palpation, the chance of altering the frequency and character of bowel sounds is lessened.
You might also like to view...
The nurse observes on the fetal monitor a pattern of a 15-beat increase in the fetal heart rate that lasts 15 to 20 seconds. What does this pattern indicate?
a. A well-oxygenated fetus b. Compression of the umbilical cord c. Compression of the fetal head d. Uteroplacental insufficiency
Which statement is true about social and emotional health of older adults?
a. Contemporary society has strong norms for the behavior of adults older than 80 years. b. The transition to old age entails a declining level of contribution to others as one becomes increasingly dependent on them. c. Computers and the Internet have little to contribute to elders in their need for so-cial support. d. Nurses are often significant sources of social and emotional support for older adults.
The nurse clarifies that the condition that would necessitate an ostomy would be:
1. tumor obstructing the digestive tract lumen. 2. congenital absence of one ureter. 3. chronic diarrhea. 4. fracture of the pelvis and pubis.
A patient who has been hospitalized for 3 days with a hip fracture and Buck's traction has sudden onset shortness of breath and tachypnea. The patient tells the nurse, "I feel like I am going to die!" Which action should the nurse take first?
a. Stay with the patient and offer reassurance. b. Administer oxygen at 4 L/min by a nasal cannula. c. Notify the health care provider about the patient's symptoms. d. Check the patient's legs for swelling or tenderness.