When assessing an ambulatory patient, the nurse observes that both arms swing freely in alternation with leg swings. Which of the following is being assessed?
Muscle strength
Gait
Alignment
Joint function
The Correct Answer is B
A) Muscle strength: While muscle strength can influence gait, it specifically refers to the ability of muscles to exert force against resistance. Assessing muscle strength involves different techniques, such as manual muscle testing, rather than observing arm and leg movements.
B) Gait: The observation that both arms swing freely in alternation with leg swings is a direct assessment of the patient's gait. A normal gait pattern includes coordinated movements of the arms and legs, indicating proper motor function and balance.
C) Alignment: This term refers to the positioning of the body and its parts in relation to one another. While alignment can impact gait, it is not specifically assessed by observing the movement of the arms and legs.
D) Joint function: Joint function assessment typically focuses on the range of motion, stability, and mobility of individual joints. Observing the swing of arms and legs provides insight into overall gait rather than specific joint function.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Friction rubs: These sounds are typically heard over the liver or spleen and indicate inflammation of the peritoneal surface. They are not standard findings during routine abdominal auscultation and are more specific to certain conditions.
B) Crepitus: This term refers to a crackling or popping sound often associated with joint movement or subcutaneous air and is not related to abdominal auscultation. It is not something a nurse would expect to hear when listening to bowel sounds.
C) Bruits: These are abnormal sounds that indicate turbulent blood flow, typically assessed over blood vessels rather than the abdomen itself. While they can be detected in some abdominal conditions, they are not the primary sounds expected during routine abdominal auscultation.
D) High pitched gurgling: This is characteristic of normal bowel sounds and indicates active peristalsis. High-pitched, gurgling sounds are a common finding during abdominal auscultation, reflecting the movement of gas and fluids in the intestines. This is what the nurse would expect to hear when assessing the abdomen.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Subjective report: The most reliable indicator of pain is the patient's own description of their experience. Pain is inherently subjective, and individuals may perceive and express pain differently. Listening to the client's self-report provides valuable insight into their pain intensity, quality, and impact on daily life, which cannot be accurately assessed through objective measures alone.
B) Physical exam: While a physical exam can provide important information about potential sources of pain or related conditions, it may not accurately reflect the intensity or nature of the pain the patient is experiencing. Physical findings may vary widely among individuals with similar pain complaints, making this a less reliable indicator.
C) Results of a CAT scan: Imaging studies like CAT scans can identify structural issues, such as fractures or tumors, but they do not measure pain. Many patients with significant pain may have normal imaging results, while others with severe findings may report minimal discomfort, underscoring the limitations of relying solely on diagnostic tests.
D) The client's vital signs: Vital signs can indicate physiological responses to pain, such as increased heart rate or blood pressure, but they are not specific indicators of pain severity. Many factors can influence vital signs, including anxiety and other medical conditions, making them unreliable for assessing pain levels independently.