Using deep palpation of a patient's epigastrium, a nurse feels a rhythmic pulsation of the aorta. Based on this finding, what is the nurse's most appropriate response?
A) Auscultate this area using the bell of the stethoscope.
B) Percuss the area for tones.
C) Ask the patient if there is pain in this area.
D) Document this as a normal finding.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Document this as a normal finding. The aorta is often palpable at the epigastrium. Auscultating this area using the bell of the stethoscope is not necessary because this is a normal finding. Vascular sounds are usually not heard. Percussing the area for tones is not necessary because this is a normal finding. Asking the patient if there is pain in this area is not necessary because this is a normal finding.

Using Deep Palpation of a Patient's Epigastrium, a Nurse Feels