Exam 9: Assessment Techniques and the Clinical Setting

When percussing over the ribs of a patient,the nurse notes a dull sound.The nurse would:

The most important step that the nurse can take to prevent transmission of infections in the hospital setting is to:

The nurse is unable to palpate the right radial pulse on a patient.The best action would be to:

With which of the following patients would it be most appropriate to use games during the assessment,such as having the patient "blow out" the light on the penlight?

The nurse is preparing to examine a 4-year-old child.Which of the following actions is appropriate as the first step?

When performing a physical assessment,the first technique the nurse will use is:

A patient has suddenly developed shortness of breath and appears to be in significant respiratory distress.Which of the following is the best action for the nurse to take?

Which of the following statements about the use of the stethoscope is true?

While auscultating for heart sounds,the nurse hears a murmur.Which of the following should be used to assess this murmur?

The nurse is unable to identify any changes in sound when percussing over the abdomen of an obese patient.What should the nurse do next?

MATCHING The nurse is preparing to palpate the thorax and abdomen of a patient.For each description listed below,specify the appropriate part of the hand that should be used for palpation. -Base of fingers (metacarpophalangeal joints)or ulnar surface of the hand: best for vibration.

An examiner is using an ophthalmoscope on a patient who has astigmatism and is nearsighted.Which of the following techniques would indicate that the examination is being performed correctly?

A man is at the clinic for a physical examination.He states that he is "very anxious" about the physical examination.What steps can the examiner take to make him feel more comfortable?

Before auscultating the patient's abdomen to detect bowel sounds,the nurse will:

When preparing to examine a 6-year-old child,which action is most appropriate?

A 2-year-old child has been brought to the clinic for a well-child checkup.How should the examiner proceed with the assessment?

During the examination of a patient's abdomen,the nurse notes that the abdomen is rounded and firm to the touch.Percussion produces a drumlike sound across the quadrants.This type of sound indicates:

The nurse is preparing to assess a hospitalized patient who is experiencing significant shortness of breath.How should the nurse proceed with the assessment?

When preparing to perform a physical examination on an infant,the examiner should:

The most important reason to share information and offer brief education while performing the physical examination is to help: