The nurse is assessing the client's abdomen and notes dullness when percussing over the left lower quadrant. Which question is most appropriate for the nurse to ask the client at this time?
1. "How much alcohol do you drink?"
2. "Do you have pain after eating?"
3. "When was your last bowel movement?"
4. "Have you ever had splenomegaly?"
Correct Answer: 3
Percussion over the abdomen produces tympany, and dullness is heard over the solid organs such as the liver and spleen. Dullness in the left lower quadrant may indicate the presence of stool in the colon. Dullness may also indicate an enlarged uterus, distended urinary bladder or ascites. Significant alcohol consumption may be associated with possible liver enlargement. The nurse would be able to percuss the liver in the right upper quadrant. Pain after eating is more likely to be associated with an upper gastrointestinal problem. Splenomegaly is associated with dullness while percussing the client's left upper quadrant.
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