Exam 21: Abdomen

The nurse is performing a focused interview with an older adult client. Which statements by the client are expected?

The nurse is auscultating the abdomen of a client for vascular sounds with the bell of the stethoscope. The nurse hears a soft, continuous humming sound. Based on this data, the nurse suspects dysfunction with which organ?

The nurse is performing an abdominal assessment. After percussing the abdomen, the nurse notes that the liver span is approximately 11 centimeters. How will the nurse document this finding in the medical record?

The nurse is documenting the findings of an abdominal assessment on a client and documents the following information, "pain noted during palpation at McBurney point." How did the nurse elicit this response during the assessment?

The nurse is performing an abdominal assessment on a client who had been previously diagnosed with cirrhosis. As the nurse inspected the client's abdomen and notes ascites. Based on this data, which interventions will the nurse perform next?

The nurse is interviewing an older adult Hispanic client who complains of recent weight loss, anorexia, and epigastric pain. The client reports recent use of "mints" for stomach upset. Based on this assessment data, which interventions are appropriate for this client?

The nurse is speaking with the client during the focused interview. The client states, "My doctor said that my spleen was enlarged. Where is my spleen?" Which location will the nurse point to when answering this client's question?

The client was recently admitted to the hospital with left lower quadrant pain. The client states, "It feels like my belly is cramping." During the focused interview, the client admitted to experiencing a significant amount of occupational stress. Guarding is noted during the abdominal examination. The nurse reviews the medical record (see chart below) and concludes that the client has developed a diverticulitis. Which client statement supports this conclusion by the nurse?

The nurse is palpating the left upper quadrant of a client's abdomen. Which organs may be assessed during this portion of the assessment?

The nurse is preparing to perform an abdominal assessment. The client states, "Can you point to where my appendix is located?" Which location will the nurse point to when answering this client's question?

A client asks the nurse, "What's the purpose of a gall bladder anyway? My mom lived for many years without her gallbladder." Which information would be beneficial for the nurse to share with this client?

The nurse is preparing to examine a client who is complaining of right lower quadrant abdominal pain. Which actions by the nurse are appropriate in this situation?

An adolescent client is seen for abdominal pain in the local clinic. The client states, "The pain is sort of all over my belly. I can't really find one place that hurts more than another area." Based on the nurse's understanding about disorders of abdomen and associated symptomatology, which nursing diagnoses are appropriate for this client?

The nurse is completing discharge instructions for a client admitted with esophagitis. Which client statements indicate the need for further education?

The nurse is assessing a client with reports of right upper quadrant pain that radiates toward the right upper portion of the back. The client states, "This has been happening more often after I eat rich, high-fat foods." Which disorder does the nurse suspect based on these findings?

The nurse is assessing the client's abdomen and notes dullness when percussing over the left lower quadrant. Which question is most appropriate for the nurse to ask the client at this time?

The nurse is assessing a client in the emergency department (ED) who complains of right lower quadrant pain. The nurse determines that the client is exhibiting a positive psoas sign. Based on the client's assessment data, which conditions does the nurse suspect?

A client asks the nurse, "What's the purpose of the liver?" Which statements will the nurse include in the response to this client's question?

The nurse is completing an abdominal assessment and is percussing over the left side of the upper portion of the client's abdomen over the area of the stomach. The client states, "I haven't had my breakfast, yet." Based on this statement, which does the nurse anticipate?

The nurse is performing an abdominal assessment on an infant. The nurse notes that the umbilicus is bulging and has been displaced slightly to the left of midline. Based on this data, which diagnosis does the nurse anticipate?