The nurse is measuring the abdominal girth of a child with abdominal distention. On the photo shown, identify the area on the child's abdomen where the tape measure should be placed for an accurate abdominal girth

Question

1. Just above the umbilicus, around the largest circumference of the abdomen
2. Below the umbilicus
3. Just below the sternum
4. Across the symphysis pubis

Answer 1

1
Rationale:
1. An abdominal girth should be taken around the largest circumference of the abdomen—in this case, just above the umbilicus.
2. The circumferences below the umbilicus would not be accurate abdominal girths.
3. The circumferences below the sternum would not be accurate abdominal girths.
4. The circumferences across the symphysis pubis would not be accurate abdominal girths.