A client comes to the Emergency Department because he's noticed a bulging in his groin area when he coughs. He states that he noticed this ever since he lifted a heavy bag of gardening mulch last week. The physician determines that the client has an inguinal hernia and applies manual pressure to replace the protruding structures back into the abdominal cavity. The nurse understands that this procedure indicates that the hernia is which type?
A) Incarcerated
B) Irreducible
C) Reducible
D) Strangulated

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Manual pressure to replace the protruding structures back into the abdominal cavity indicates that the hernia is reducible, meaning that the herniated contents can be manually pushed back into their normal position. If the hernia cannot be pushed back into its normal position, it is irreducible or incarcerated. If the hernia becomes trapped and blood supply is compromised, it is strangulated.

A Client Comes to the Emergency Department Because He's Noticed