After performing an initial abdominal assessment on a client with a diagnosis of cholelithiasis, the nurse documents that the bowel sounds are normal. When asked, how would the nurse describe this finding to the client?
- A. Waves of loud gurgles auscultated in all four quadrants
- B. Soft gurgling or clicking sounds auscultated in all four quadrants
- C. Low-pitched swishing sounds auscultated in one or two quadrants
- D. Very high-pitched loud rushes auscultated, especially in one or two quadrants
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Although frequency and intensity of bowel sounds will vary depending on the phase of digestion, normal bowel sounds are relatively soft gurgling or clicking sounds that occur irregularly 5 to 35 times per minute. Loud gurgles (borborygmi) indicate hyperperistalsis. A swishing or buzzing sound represents turbulent blood flow associated with a bruit. No aortic bruits should be heard. Bowel sounds will be higher pitched and loud (hyperresonance) when the intestines are under tension, such as in intestinal obstruction.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse evaluates the patency of a peripheral intravenous (IV) site and suspects an infiltration. Which action should the nurse take to determine if the IV has infiltrated?
- A. Strip the tubing and assess for a blood return.
- B. Check the regional tissue for redness and warmth.
- C. Increase the infusion rate and observe for swelling.
- D. Gently palpate regional tissue for edema and coolness.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When assessing an IV for clinical indicators of infiltration, it is important to assess the site for edema and coolness, signifying leakage of the IV fluid into the surrounding tissues. Stripping the tubing will not cause a blood return but will force IV fluid into the surrounding tissues, which can increase the risk of tissue damage. Redness and warmth are more likely to indicate infection or phlebitis.
The nurse assesses the client diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) for early signs of Kaposi's sarcoma. What characteristics would be consistent with that lesion? Select all that apply.
- A. Flat
- B. Raised
- C. Resembling a blister
- D. Light blue in color
- E. Brownish and scaly in appearance
- F. Color varies from pink to dark violet or black
Correct Answer: A,F
Rationale: Kaposi's sarcoma generally starts with an area that is flat and pink that changes to a dark violet or black color. The lesions are usually present bilaterally. They may appear in many areas of the body and are treated with radiation, chemotherapy, and cryotherapy. None of the other options are associated with this type of lesion.
A client experiencing difficulty breathing and increased pulmonary congestion was prescribed furosemide 40 mg to be given intravenously. After an hour which assessment value indicates that the therapy has been effective?
- A. The lungs are now clear upon auscultation.
- B. The urine output has increased by 400 mL.
- C. The blood pressure has decreased from 118/64 mm Hg to 106/62 mm Hg.
- D. The serum potassium has decreased from 4.7 mEq to 4.1 mEq (4.7 mmol/L to 4.1 mmol/L).
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Furosemide is a diuretic. In this situation, it was given to decrease preload and reduce the pulmonary congestion and associated difficulty in breathing. Although all options may occur, option 1 is the reason that the furosemide was administered.
Twelve hours after delivery, the nurse assesses the client for uterine involution. The nurse determines that the uterus is progressing normally toward its prepregnancy state when palpation of the client's fundus is at which level?
- A. At the umbilicus
- B. One finger breadth below the umbilicus
- C. Two finger breadths below the umbilicus
- D. Midway between the umbilicus and the symphysis pubis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The term 'involution' is used to describe the rapid reduction in size and the return of the uterus to a normal condition similar to its nonpregnant state. Immediately after the delivery of the placenta, the uterus contracts to the size of a large grapefruit. The fundus is situated in the midline between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus. Within 6 to 12 hours after birth, the fundus of the uterus rises to the level of the umbilicus. The top of the fundus remains at the level of the umbilicus for about a day and then descends into the pelvis approximately one finger breadth on each succeeding day.
The nurse caring for a client receiving intravenous therapy monitors for which signs of infiltration of an intravenous (IV) infusion? Select all that apply.
- A. Slowing of the IV rate
- B. Tenderness at the insertion site
- C. Edema around the insertion site
- D. Skin tightness at the insertion site
- E. Warmth of skin at the insertion site
- F. Fluid leaking from the insertion site
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D,F
Rationale: Infiltration is the leakage of an IV solution into the extravascular tissue. Manifestations include slowing of the IV rate; burning, tenderness, or general discomfort at the insertion site; increasing edema in or around the catheter insertion site; complaints of skin tightness; blanching or coolness of the skin; and fluid leaking from the insertion site.