The nurse is preparing to assess a client who is experiencing difficulty breathing. Before palpating the client's abdomen, which nursing action is appropriate?
A)Administering 10 L of oxygen to the client
B)Having the client remain upright
C)Placing the client in a modified Sims position
D)Asking the client to bend over a table

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A)Abdomen palpation is usually done in the supine position, but a client with difficulty breathing would not tolerate that position well. Instead, the nurse should position the client with the head elevated to the point of comfortable breathing to perform the assessment. Having the client lie in a modified Sims position could compromise the client's ability to breathe effectively. A client who is experiencing dyspnea would not be asked to bend over a table. Depending on the client's underlying condition, administering 10 L of oxygen may be excessive.
B)Abdomen palpation is usually done in the supine position, but a client with difficulty breathing would not tolerate that position well. Instead, the nurse should position the client with the head elevated to the point of comfortable breathing to perform the assessment. Having the client lie in a modified Sims position could compromise the client's ability to breathe effectively. A client who is experiencing dyspnea would not be asked to bend over a table. Depending on the client's underlying condition, administering 10 L of oxygen may be excessive.
C)Abdomen palpation is usually done in the supine position, but a client with difficulty breathing would not tolerate that position well. Instead, the nurse should position the client with the head elevated to the point of comfortable breathing to perform the assessment. Having the client lie in a modified Sims position could compromise the client's ability to breathe effectively. A client who is experiencing dyspnea would not be asked to bend over a table. Depending on the client's underlying condition, administering 10 L of oxygen may be excessive.
D)Abdomen palpation is usually done in the supine position, but a client with difficulty breathing would not tolerate that position well. Instead, the nurse should position the client with the head elevated to the point of comfortable breathing to perform the assessment. Having the client lie in a modified Sims position could compromise the client's ability to breathe effectively. A client who is experiencing dyspnea would not be asked to bend over a table. Depending on the client's underlying condition, administering 10 L of oxygen may be excessive.

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