The student nurse is preparing to assess the client while the more experienced nurse assists. Prior to the physical assessment, the client complains of left lower quadrant abdominal pain. Which statement by the student nurse indicates that the student nurse requires further education prior to performing this part of the assessment?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Percussion and palpation should be done after auscultation because these techniques may stimulate bowel sounds and affect the accuracy of the auscultation. It would be more appropriate to start with inspecting the abdomen, followed by auscultation, percussion, and palpation. Therefore, the student nurse requires further education on the proper technique for an abdominal assessment. Asking the client about the characteristics of the pain is also an important step in the assessment.

The Student Nurse Is Preparing to Assess the Client While