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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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While the number of blood clots expelled with each stool may be relevant in assessing the severity of bleeding, it does not provide as much information about the potential underlying causes of bleeding as documenting the color characteristics of the stool does.
Choice B rationale
Documenting evidence of internal hemorrhoids is important in assessing rectal bleeding, but it is not as fundamental as documenting the color characteristics of the stool. Internal hemorrhoids can be one potential cause of rectal bleeding, but other more serious conditions may also cause bleeding.
Choice C rationale
While gastrointestinal bleeding may have a distinct odor, documenting this alone does not provide as much diagnostic information as describing the color characteristics of the stool. Documenting odor may be important in some cases, but it is not as critical as documenting the color of the stool.
Choice D rationale
When evaluating rectal bleeding, documenting the color characteristics of each stool is crucial. Different colors of stool can indicate various underlying causes of bleeding. Bright red blood typically suggests lower gastrointestinal bleeding, while darker, tarry stools (melena) may indicate bleeding higher in the gastrointestinal tract.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Painful symptoms alleviated by warmth are more indicative of conditions such as arthritis or muscle strain rather than venous insufficiency.
Choice B rationale
Cool, pale skin below the knees is more indicative of arterial insufficiency rather than venous insufficiency.
Choice C rationale
Decreased pain when legs are elevated is a common symptom of venous insufficiency. Elevating the legs helps reduce venous pressure and alleviate symptoms such as swelling and aching.
Choice D rationale
Deep, continuous pain in the calf muscles is more indicative of conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) rather than venous insufficiency.