ATI Fundamental Proctored Exam 2024-2025 Online Practice 250 Simulated Exam Questions Related

Review ATI Fundamental Proctored Exam 2024-2025 Online Practice 250 Simulated Exam Questions related questions and content

A nurse is checking a client's bowel sounds. At which of the following times should the nurse auscultate the client's abdomen?

  • A. After palpating the abdomen
  • B. Prior to percussing the abdomen
  • C. After checking for kidney tenderness
  • D. Prior to inspecting the abdomen
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prior to percussing the abdomen. Auscultation of bowel sounds should be done before percussing as it helps to assess the presence and quality of bowel sounds without causing any interference from other assessment techniques. Palpation (choice A) can stimulate bowel sounds, leading to inaccurate assessment. Checking for kidney tenderness (choice C) and inspecting the abdomen (choice D) are unrelated to auscultating bowel sounds.