The nursing care plan specifies obtaining abdominal girth measurements each shift.The nurse takes the measurement,but when compared with the previous measurement,the new finding is several millimeters off.Which action by the nurse is best?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Abdominal girth is measured at the end of exhalation,at the level of the umbilicus,while the client lies flat.To ensure that measurements are taken in the same place each time,the nurse should mark the client's abdomen and flanks with pen.Findings do need to be documented,but this is not the best action when such inconsistency is noted between measurements.Use of a diuretic might decrease ascites,but the best action remains ensuring that measurements are taken in a consistent manner.

The Nursing Care Plan Specifies Obtaining Abdominal Girth Measurements Each