A nurse is preparing to perform a routine abdominal assessment. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Percuss the abdomen
- B. Auscultate bowel sounds
- C. Inspect the abdomen
- D. Palpate the abdomen
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to auscultate bowel sounds. Auscultation should be performed before palpation during an abdominal assessment to avoid altering bowel sounds. Inspecting the abdomen is important but should follow auscultation. Percussion and palpation should be done after auscultation and inspection to ensure an accurate assessment.
You may also like to solve these questions
A nurse is assessing a client who is at risk for pressure injuries. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?
- A. Reposition the client every 4 hours
- B. Use a special mattress for the client
- C. Keep the client on bedrest
- D. Encourage the client to remain in one position
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Use a special mattress for the client.' Using a special mattress reduces pressure on bony prominences and helps prevent pressure injuries. Repositioning the client every 4 hours (choice A) is important but using a special mattress is more effective. Keeping the client on bedrest (choice C) can increase the risk of pressure injuries due to prolonged immobility. Encouraging the client to remain in one position (choice D) is incorrect as it can lead to pressure injuries by exerting pressure on the same areas for an extended period.
A client is being taught how to use a cane. Which instruction should the nurse include?
- A. Use the cane on the stronger side
- B. Use the cane on the weaker side
- C. Ensure the cane has a rubber tip
- D. Hold the cane 1-2 inches from the ground
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to use the cane on the stronger side. This instruction is important because it provides better support and balance. Placing the cane on the stronger side helps to shift weight off the weaker or injured side, reducing the risk of falls and promoting stability. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Using the cane on the weaker side would not provide optimal support. While ensuring the cane has a rubber tip and holding it 1-2 inches from the ground are important, they are not as crucial as using the cane on the stronger side for proper support and balance.
A nurse receives a report from assistive personnel that a client's BP is 160/95. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Notify the provider
- B. Recheck the blood pressure
- C. Administer antihypertensive medication
- D. Document the blood pressure in the chart
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when receiving a report of a client's blood pressure reading of 160/95 is to recheck the blood pressure. Rechecking the blood pressure ensures the accuracy of the reading before making any further decisions or interventions. Notifying the provider (Choice A) can be considered after confirming the blood pressure reading. Administering antihypertensive medication (Choice C) should not be done based solely on one reading without verification. Documenting the blood pressure in the chart (Choice D) should also come after confirming the accuracy of the reading to avoid recording incorrect information.
A nurse is assessing a client who reports pain at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter. What is the nurse's first action?
- A. Irrigate the catheter with normal saline
- B. Notify the provider
- C. Administer prescribed antibiotics
- D. Assess for signs of infection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a client reports pain at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter, the nurse's first action should be to notify the provider. This is important to ensure timely assessment and intervention by the healthcare provider. Irrigating the catheter with normal saline or administering antibiotics should not be done without provider's orders as it may mask symptoms or lead to inappropriate treatment. Assessing for signs of infection is important but should come after notifying the provider, who can guide further assessment and treatment.
A nurse is teaching about food choices for a client on a low-sodium diet. What food should the nurse recommend?
- A. Canned soup
- B. Fresh fruit
- C. Processed meats
- D. Frozen meals
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fresh fruit is a good option for clients on a low-sodium diet as it is naturally low in sodium. Canned soup, processed meats, and frozen meals tend to be high in sodium due to added salt and preservatives, making them unsuitable choices for individuals on a low-sodium diet.