Author Question: A nurse is conducting an abdominal assessment. What is the rationale for palpating the abdomen last ... (Read 52 times)

ARLKQ · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A nurse is conducting an abdominal assessment. What is the rationale for palpating the abdomen last in the sequence when conducting an abdominal assessment?

A) It is the most painful assessment method
B) It is the most embarrassing assessment method
C) To allow time for the examiner's hands to warm
D) It disturbs normal peristalsis and bowel motility

Question 2

The following foods are a part of a client's daily diet: high-fiber cereals, fruits, vegetables, 2,500 mL of fluids. What would the nurse tell the client to change?

A) Decrease high-fiber foods
B) Decrease amount of fluids
C) Omit fruits if eating vegetables
D) Nothing; this is a good diet

xiaomengxian · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans: D
The sequence for abdominal assessment is inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation. Inspection and auscultation are performed before palpation because palpation may disturb normal peristalsis and bowel motility.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: D
A high-fiber diet and a daily fluid intake of 2,500 to 3,000 mL of fluids facilitate bowel elimination. Intake of the foods described makes the feces more bulky, so they move through the intestine more quickly. The stool is softer and the time to absorb toxins is decreased (toxins are believed to have a role in the development of colon cancer).