a nurse is preparing to perform a routine abdominal assessment what action should the nurse take first
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Capstone Fundamentals Assessment Proctored

1. A healthcare provider is preparing to perform a routine abdominal assessment. What action should the healthcare provider take first?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct first action in a routine abdominal assessment is to inspect the abdomen. This allows the healthcare provider to visually assess for any visible abnormalities such as scars, distention, or masses. Auscultating bowel sounds comes after inspection as the second step to assess bowel motility. Palpation and percussion follow in the sequence of a comprehensive abdominal assessment. Therefore, inspecting the abdomen is the priority to gather initial information before proceeding with further assessment techniques.

2. A nurse is updating a plan of care for a client who has dysphagia. What intervention should the nurse include?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with dysphagia is to have them sit upright for 1 hour after meals. This position helps facilitate swallowing and reduces the risk of aspiration, which is crucial in managing dysphagia. Encouraging the client to lie down after eating (Choice A) can increase the risk of aspiration. Offering liquids with meals (Choice B) may also increase the risk of aspiration as it can affect swallowing coordination. Providing the client with a straw for drinking (Choice D) is not recommended as straws can increase the risk of aspiration in individuals with dysphagia.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who reports pain at the site of a peripheral IV. The site is red and warm. What is the nurse's priority action?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the IV infusion. The signs of redness and warmth at the IV site indicate phlebitis, an inflammation of the vein. Discontinuing the IV infusion is crucial to prevent further complications such as infection or thrombosis. Flushing the IV line with saline would not address the underlying issue of phlebitis. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the cause. Increasing the IV flow rate can exacerbate the inflammation and should be avoided.

4. 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.

5. A nurse receives a report from assistive personnel that a client's BP is 160/95. What should the nurse do first?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when receiving a report of a client's blood pressure reading of 160/95 is to recheck the blood pressure. Rechecking the blood pressure ensures the accuracy of the reading before making any further decisions or interventions. Notifying the provider (Choice A) can be considered after confirming the blood pressure reading. Administering antihypertensive medication (Choice C) should not be done based solely on one reading without verification. Documenting the blood pressure in the chart (Choice D) should also come after confirming the accuracy of the reading to avoid recording incorrect information.

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