The nurse is preparing to examine a patient who has been complaining of right lower quadrant pain. Which technique is correct during the assessment?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should save the examination of any identified tender areas until last. This method avoids pain and the resulting muscle rigidity that would obscure deep palpation later in the examination. Auscultation is performed before percussion and palpation because percussion and palpation can increase peristalsis, which would give a false interpretation of bowel sounds.

The Nurse Is Preparing to Examine a Patient Who Has