The nurse has palpated an abnormal mass within the client's ...

[penza]

The nurse has palpated an abnormal mass within the client's scrotum. Which assessment activity is appropriate for the nurse to perform next?
 
  1. The nurse should percuss the client's scrotum.
  2. The nurse should attempt to transilluminate behind the area in which the abnormal mass was palpated.
  3. The nurse should inspect the inguinal area.
  4. The nurse should gently squeeze the mass between the fingers.

Question 2

The nurse percusses the client's abdomen. Which piece of information accurately reflects that tympany is present?
 
  1. The sound is low-pitched, loud, and hollow-sounding.
  2. It is a high-pitched, soft sound that doesn't last very long.
  3. The sound is very loud and has a low tone. The sound has a long duration.
  4. It sounds like a drum, is loud, and high-pitched.

[kiamars2010]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
If the nurse detects a mass within the client's scrotum, the nurse should attempt to transilluminate the area. Light will not penetrate a mass. Masses may indicate testicular tumor or a spermatocele. The nurse should not attempt to percuss the client's scrotum due to an increased number of nerve endings located in this area. Percussing would cause the client unnecessary pain. The nurse should inspect the inguinal area after attempting to transilluminate the client's scrotal mass. The nurse should never squeeze or pinch any mass that the nurse has identified.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
Tympany is a loud, high-pitched, drum-like tone that can be heard when percussing an organ that is filled with air. When percussing the abdomen, tympany is normally present because the intestines are hollow and filled with air. Resonance is a low-pitched, hollow sound that is loud. Resonance is often heard when percussing the lungs. Dullness is a high-pitched sound with a short duration. Dullness can be heard when percussing over solid body organs. Hyperresonance is an abnormally loud, low-toned sound that has a long duration. It is associated with trapped air.