A patient reports intermittent cramping abdominal pain that is relieved by having a bowel movement. The patient complains of having the pain at this time, which is why she is seeking care. Which abnormal finding does the nurse anticipate finding on examination of this patient's abdomen?
A) Decreased bowel sounds
B) Bulge in the abdomen when coughing
C) Palpable mass in the left lower quadrant
D) Bruit around the umbilicus

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Palpable mass in the left lower quadrant is expected when interpreted with other data-age of the patient, intermittent cramping abdominal pain relieved by a bowel movement-as consistent with diverticular disease. Decreased bowel sounds are not expected if the patient is having bowel movements. Bulge in the abdomen when coughing is a finding associated with abdominal or incisional hernias. Bruit around the umbilicus is a finding associated with an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

A Patient Reports Intermittent Cramping Abdominal Pain That Is Relieved