A teen female patient reports intermittent abdominal pain for 12 hours. No dysuria is present. Which action will the nurse take when performing an abdominal assessment?
a. Assess the area that is most tender first.
b. Ask the patient about the color of her stools.
c. Recommend that the patient take more laxatives.
d. Avoid sexual references such as possible pregnancy.
ANS: B
Abdominal pain can be related to bowels. If stools are black or tarry (melena), this may indicate gastrointestinal alteration. The nurse should caution patients about the dangers of excessive use of laxatives or enemas. There is not enough information about the abdominal pain to recommend laxatives. Determine if the patient is pregnant, and note her last menstrual period. Pregnancy causes changes in abdominal shape and contour. Assess painful areas last to minimize discomfort and anxiety.
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