While auscultating a client’s abdomen, the nurse hears a low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area. Which is the likely indication of this finding?
A minor variation.
Normal borborygmus sounds.
Possible renal artery stenosis.
Hyperactive bowel sounds.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
A minor variation may refer to a benign finding or a slight deviation from the norm. However, a low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area would not typically be considered a minor variation and may warrant further investigation.
Choice B rationale
Borborygmi are normal bowel sounds characterized by gurgling, rumbling, or growling noises produced by the movement of gas and fluid in the intestines. However, a low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area would not typically be described as normal borborygmi.
Choice C rationale
A low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area could indicate a renal artery bruit, which is a sign of renal artery stenosis. Renal artery stenosis is a narrowing of the renal artery, often due to atherosclerosis, which can lead to decreased blood flow to the kidneys. A renal artery bruit may be auscultated over the renal arteries and is indicative of turbulent blood flow through the narrowed artery.
Choice D rationale
Hyperactive bowel sounds are typically characterized by loud, high-pitched gurgles heard throughout the abdomen. They are often associated with increased intestinal motility, such as in gastroenteritis or diarrhea, rather than a low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Measuring skin elasticity around the ankles is not directly related to assessing the cause of cold feet. It is more relevant for assessing hydration status and skin turgor.
Choice B rationale
Assessing the volume of the pedal pulses is crucial to determine if there is adequate blood flow to the feet.
Choice C rationale
Palpating the dorsal surface of the feet for warmth helps assess the temperature and circulation to the feet.
Choice D rationale
Testing for a positive Babinski reflex is not relevant to assessing cold feet. It is used to assess neurological function.
Choice E rationale
Observing the color of the feet and toes helps assess circulation and potential issues such as cyanosis or pallor.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Documenting the presence of borborygmi is appropriate, but it does not address the need for a thorough assessment of all quadrants. Borborygmi are loud, high-pitched, almost continuous gurgling sounds that indicate hyperactive bowel sounds.
Choice B rationale
Auscultating the remaining quadrants is necessary to complete the assessment and ensure that the findings are consistent throughout the abdomen. This step helps to identify any variations in bowel sounds that may indicate different underlying conditions.
Choice C rationale
Elevating the head of the client’s bed immediately is not indicated in this situation. The primary focus should be on completing the assessment of bowel sounds in all quadrants.
Choice D rationale
Using the bell of the stethoscope to auscultate again is not necessary, as the diaphragm is the appropriate part of the stethoscope to use for assessing bowel sounds. The diaphragm is better suited for picking up high-pitched sounds like borborygmi.