A client is complaining of pain in the lower-left quadrant of the abdomen. The nurse prepares to percuss the abdomen and notes that the client has a great deal of hair on the lower abdomen
Which action by the nurse is appropriate prior to percussing the client's abdomen?
A) Moistening the abdominal hair
B) Documenting that the client has hirsutism
C) Cutting the client's hair over the entire abdomen
D) Discontinuing the use of percussion, palpate the abdomen only.
Answer: A
If the client has excess body hair, the nurse should dampen the hair so that it lies flat against the abdomen to enhance sound transmission. The nurse would not shave the client's hair for percussion. The client complains of abdominal pain, and percussion would be part of a thorough examination to determine the cause. Hirsutism includes excess hair all over the entire body.
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