Assessment of a client reveals a distended abdomen with some bulging of the flanks. Which test would be most accurate in confirming nurse's suspicions?
Abdominal x-ray
Shifting dullness
Fluid wave
Ultrasound
The Correct Answer is D
A. Abdominal x-ray: While it can show gas or bowel obstructions, it is less effective for confirming fluid presence.
B. Shifting dullness: This physical exam technique can indicate fluid but is less accurate than ultrasound.
C. Fluid wave: This physical exam can help suggest the presence of fluid, but it is also less reliable than imaging studies.
D. Ultrasound: An ultrasound is the most accurate and non-invasive way to confirm the presence of fluid, such as ascites, in the abdomen. It provides detailed imaging and confirmation without invasive procedures.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Positive Skin Hypersensitivity Test: This is incorrect as it typically involves pain or discomfort with light touch, unrelated to rebound tenderness.
B. Positive Rovsing Sign: A positive Rovsing sign occurs when pain is felt in the right lower quadrant upon palpation of the left lower quadrant, indicating possible appendicitis.
C. Psoas Sign: This is elicited by extending the hip, and a positive sign indicates irritation of the iliopsoas muscle, often seen in appendicitis.
D. Positive Obturator Sign: This involves internal rotation of the hip, also used in appendicitis assessments but involves different positioning.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. 2 full minutes: Listening for 2 minutes is insufficient to determine the absence of bowel sounds reliably.
B. 1 full minute: One minute is also too brief, as bowel sounds can sometimes be infrequent, especially in certain conditions.
C. 5 full minutes. The absence of bowel sounds is confirmed after listening in each quadrant for a minimum of 5 full minutes. This is necessary to ensure that the lack of sounds is not due to temporary decreased activity and is instead a true absence, which may indicate a medical emergency like a bowel obstruction.
D. 1 1/2 minutes: This time is not long enough to confirm the absence of bowel sounds accurately.