A 40-year-old man states that his physician told him that he has ...

[Lisaclaire]

A 40-year-old man states that his physician told him that he has a hernia. He asks the nurse to explain what a hernia is. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
 
  a. No need to worry. Most men your age develop hernias.
  b. A hernia is a loop of bowel protruding through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles.
  c. A hernia is the result of prenatal growth abnormalities that are just now causing problems.
  d. I'll have to have your physician explain this to you.

Question 2

Which of these percussion findings would the nurse expect to find in a patient with a large amount of ascites?
 
  a. Dullness across the abdomen
  b. Flatness in the right upper quadrant
  c. Hyperresonance in the left upper quadrant
  d. Tympany in the right and left lower quadrants

[jaygar71]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The nurse should explain that a hernia is a protrusion of the abdominal viscera through an abnormal opening in the muscle wall.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
A large amount of ascitic fluid produces a dull sound to percussion.