a nurse is performing an abdominal assessment on a client what action should the nurse take first
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Capstone Fundamentals Assessment Proctored

1. When performing an abdominal assessment on a client, what action should the nurse take first?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to auscultate bowel sounds. This action should be taken first because it ensures that bowel sounds are not altered by physical manipulation. Inspecting the abdomen (choice C) may provide visual cues but does not address functional assessment. Palpating the abdomen (choice A) should follow auscultation to prevent altering bowel sounds. Percussing the abdomen (choice D) is typically done after auscultation and palpation.

2. A nurse is preparing to perform an abdominal assessment on a client. Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to auscultate before palpation. This ensures that bowel sounds are not altered by physical manipulation. Inspecting the abdomen is a valid step but not the first. Percussing and palpating should come after auscultation to prevent altering bowel sounds or causing discomfort to the client.

3. A client has a new prescription for a cane. What instruction should the nurse include?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include is to ensure the cane has a rubber tip. This is important as it prevents slipping and ensures safety while walking. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be held on the stronger side to provide better support. Choice C is incorrect as the cane should be used on the stronger, not the dominant, side for stability. Choice D is incorrect because a cane can be used for support in various situations, not just on stairs.

4. A nurse enters a client's room and sees smoke coming from the trash can. What action should the nurse take first?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the event of a fire, the priority is to ensure everyone's safety. Therefore, the nurse's initial action should be to evacuate the room. Calling for assistance can be done while evacuating, ensuring help is on the way. Attempting to put out the fire can be dangerous and may delay evacuation. Turning off the oxygen supply is not the first step in this situation, as the immediate concern is to remove individuals from the potential danger.

5. A healthcare professional is reviewing the lab results of a client who has been experiencing a fever for 3 days. What finding indicates fluid volume deficit (FVD)?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Increased hematocrit indicates hemoconcentration, which is a sign of fluid volume deficit. In FVD, there is a loss of fluid without a proportional loss of electrolytes, leading to hemoconcentration. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Decreased hematocrit and decreased white blood cell count are not typical findings in fluid volume deficit. An increased white blood cell count is more indicative of infection or inflammation rather than fluid volume deficit.

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