A client is complaining of pain in the lower-left quadrant of his abdomen. The nurse prepares to auscultate the lower abdomen and notes that the client has a great deal of hair there. Which action by the nurse is appropriate prior to auscultating the client's abdomen?
A)Moistening the abdominal hair
B)Documenting that the client has hirsutism
C)Cutting the client's hair over the entire abdomen
D)Discontinuing the use of auscultation and palpating the abdomen only

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A)If the client has excess body hair, the nurse should dampen the hair so that it lies flat against the abdomen to enhance sound transmission. The nurse would not shave the client's hair for auscultation. The client complains of abdominal pain, so auscultation would be a necessary part of a thorough examination because the nurse would need to listen to bowel sounds. Hirsutism includes excess hair all over the entire body, not just the abdomen.
B)If the client has excess body hair, the nurse should dampen the hair so that it lies flat against the abdomen to enhance sound transmission. The nurse would not shave the client's hair for auscultation. The client complains of abdominal pain, so auscultation would be a necessary part of a thorough examination because the nurse would need to listen to bowel sounds. Hirsutism includes excess hair all over the entire body, not just the abdomen.
C)If the client has excess body hair, the nurse should dampen the hair so that it lies flat against the abdomen to enhance sound transmission. The nurse would not shave the client's hair for auscultation. The client complains of abdominal pain, so auscultation would be a necessary part of a thorough examination because the nurse would need to listen to bowel sounds. Hirsutism includes excess hair all over the entire body, not just the abdomen.
D)If the client has excess body hair, the nurse should dampen the hair so that it lies flat against the abdomen to enhance sound transmission. The nurse would not shave the client's hair for auscultation. The client complains of abdominal pain, so auscultation would be a necessary part of a thorough examination because the nurse would need to listen to bowel sounds. Hirsutism includes excess hair all over the entire body, not just the abdomen.

A Client Is Complaining of Pain in the Lower-Left Quadrant