When percussing over the liver of a patient, the nurse notices a ...

[Mr.Thesaxman]

When percussing over the liver of a patient, the nurse notices a dull sound. The nurse should:
 
  a. Consider this a normal finding.
  b. Palpate this area for an underlying mass.
  c. Reposition the hands, and attempt to percuss in this area again.
  d. Consider this finding as abnormal, and refer the patient for additional treatment.

Question 2

The nurse is unable to identify any changes in sound when percussing over the abdomen of an obese patient. What should the nurse do next?
 
  a. Ask the patient to take deep breaths to relax the abdominal musculature.
  b. Consider this finding as normal, and proceed with the abdominal assessment.
  c. Increase the amount of strength used when attempting to percuss over the abdomen.
  d. Decrease the amount of strength used when attempting to percuss over the abdomen.

[pami445]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Percussion over relatively dense organs, such as the liver or spleen, will produce a dull sound. The other responses are not correct.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The thickness of the person's body wall will be a factor. The nurse needs a stronger percussion stroke for persons with obese or very muscular body walls. The force of the blow determines the loudness of the note. The other actions are not correct.