Author Question: The nurse plans to complete a physical examination of an alert, older patient. Which adaptations to ... (Read 109 times)

elizabeth18 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nurse plans to complete a physical examination of an alert, older patient. Which adaptations to the examination technique should the nurse include?

a. Avoid the use of touch as much as possible.
b. Use slightly more pressure for palpation of the liver.
c. Speak softly and slowly when talking with the patient.
d. Organize the sequence to minimize the position changes.

Question 2

The nurse is preparing to perform a focused assessment for a patient complaining of shortness of breath. Which equipment will be needed?

a. Flashlight
b. Stethoscope
c. Tongue blades
d. Percussion hammer

tranoy · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Older patients may have age-related changes in mobility that make it more difficult to change position. There is no need to avoid the use of touch when examining older patients. Less pressure should be used over the liver. Because the patient is alert, there is no indication that there is any age-related difficulty in understanding directions from the nurse.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
A stethoscope is used to auscultate breath sounds. The other equipment may be used for a comprehensive assessment but will not be needed for a focused respiratory assessment.