Health Promotion and Maintenance NCLEX PN Questions Related

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When examining the abdomen, a nurse auscultates before palpating and percussing the abdomen. The nurse performs the assessment in this manner for which reason?

  • A. It is less painful for the client.
  • B. Palpation and percussion can increase peristalsis.
  • C. It identifies any potential areas of abdominal tenderness.
  • D. It gives the client more time to become comfortable with the examiner.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When performing an abdominal assessment, the nurse auscultates the abdomen after inspection. Auscultation is done before palpation and percussion because these assessment techniques can increase peristalsis, which would yield a false interpretation of bowel sounds. This sequence helps prevent false interpretations of bowel sounds due to increased peristalsis caused by palpation and percussion. Options A, C, and D provide incorrect reasons for auscultating the abdomen before palpating and percussing it.