Question 1 of 6
Report content error
Which intervention would the nurse perform immediately if a pulsating abdominal mass is found on assessment?
- Correct
- Calling the health care providerThe patient with a pulsating abdominal mass may have an abdominal aneurysm. The nurse would stop the assessment and call the health care provider.
-
- Continuing with the palpationThe nurse may rupture the aneurysm if palpation is continued.
-
- Percussing the abdomenThe nurse may rupture the aneurysm if percussion is performed.
-
- Documenting the findingsAfter informing the provider, the nurse would document the findings.
Question 2 of 6
Report content error
The nurse auscultates hyperactive bowel sounds in the LLQ and hypoactive sounds in the RLQ. Which condition does the nurse suspect might be happening?
-
- Side effect of anesthesiaAnesthesia is known to slow down the gastrointestinal tract and could result in absent or hypoactive bowel sounds initially.
-
- Crohn diseaseCrohn disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that will likely cause hyperactive bowel sounds.
-
- Infectious enteritisInflammation of the small intestine will likely cause hyperactive bowel sounds throughout.
- Correct
- Intestinal obstructionAn intestinal obstruction can lead to hyperactive bowel sounds before the obstruction and hypoactive or absent bowel sounds after the obstruction.
Question 3 of 6
Report content error
The nurse is discussing the abdominal assessment with a nursing student. Which statement made by the student indicates a need for further education?
-
- “Auscultation should be performed before palpation and percussion.”Percussion and palpation can enhance peristaltic movement and alter bowel sounds.
-
- “Percussion detects excessive air in the intestinal tract.”Percussion detects air in the intestinal tract, which can occur with irritation and inflammation.
- Correct
- “Palpate a pulsating abdominal mass for a full minute.”You should never palpate a pulsating abdominal mass because it could signal an abdominal aneurysm, which could rupture with palpation.
-
- “Taut, glistening skin could indicate ascites.”Marked abdominal distention and taut, glistening skin can indicate the presence of edema or ascites.
Question 4 of 6
Report content error
Which recommendation would the nurse give to a family caring for an older adult with anorexia?
-
- “Perform mouth care after each meal.”Mouth care should be performed before each meal to help eliminate or minimize oral causes of poor appetite.
- Correct
- “Ensure routine dental examinations are performed.”Any time a patient has continual problems with eating, a dental care history and oral cavity examination should be performed.
-
- “Ensure the patient has ample company around while they are eating to help distract them.”Some people may be embarrassed and will eat very little in the company of others.
-
- “Try to avoid discussing their feelings about eating.”It is essential to explore each patient’s causes of anorexia and feelings about eating.
Question 5 of 6
Report content error
The nurse is discussing the management of flatus with a patient. Which statement made by the patient indicates a need for further education?
- Correct
- “I will stick to hot beverages because they are easier to tolerate.”The patient should avoid chilled or hot drinks because they can create more gas.
-
- “I will take my simethicone to help control the gas.”Antiflatulent medications that contain simethicone are helpful, as long as the patient is not NPO (nothing by mouth).
-
- “I will ensure I am walking plenty throughout the day.”Ambulation can help improve peristalsis and decrease bloating.
-
- “I will gently massage my abdomen to help release gas.”As long as the patient does not have an abdominal incision, gentle massage can be very beneficial.
Question 6 of 6
Report content error
A patient presents with frequent diarrhea over the past 56 hours, as well as abdominal cramping. Which medication would the nurse expect the provider to prescribe for this patient?
-
- Fleet’s enemaAn enema is used to treat constipation.
-
- BenefiberBenefiber is a soluble fiber supplement used to treat constipation.
-
- MetamucilMetamucil is a bulk-forming laxative used in the treatment of constipation.
- Correct
- LomotilLomotil is an antidiarrheal agent that would be appropriate for this patient.
