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 the plan of care for a client with limited mobility. What intervention should the nurse include to prevent skin breakdown?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Use a special mattress to reduce pressure on the skin.' This intervention is crucial in preventing skin breakdown in clients with limited mobility as it helps to reduce pressure on bony prominences. Repositioning every 4 hours (Choice A) is important but may not be sufficient to prevent skin breakdown entirely. Applying lotion every 2 hours (Choice B) may not address the root cause of skin breakdown related to pressure. Increasing fluid intake (Choice D) is beneficial for overall skin health but may not directly prevent skin breakdown caused by pressure points.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing fluid volume deficit (FVD). What clinical finding should the nurse expect?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Increased heart rate is a common sign of fluid volume deficit (FVD) as the body compensates for decreased fluid levels. When a client is experiencing FVD, the body tries to maintain perfusion to vital organs by increasing the heart rate. This compensatory mechanism helps to improve cardiac output and maintain blood pressure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because in FVD, hematocrit may be increased due to hemoconcentration, blood pressure tends to decrease as a compensatory response to FVD, and respiratory rate is usually unaffected or may increase due to attempts to maintain oxygenation.

4. A client with diabetes mellitus is receiving discharge instructions about foot care from a nurse. Which statement indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'I will wear shoes at all times.' This statement demonstrates an understanding of foot care for a client with diabetes. Wearing shoes at all times helps protect the feet, reducing the risk of injury and complications such as wounds or infections. Option A is incorrect because soaking feet in hot water can lead to skin dryness and increase the risk of burns or injury for individuals with diabetes. Option C is incorrect as cutting toenails in a rounded shape can cause ingrown toenails and potential infections. Option D is also incorrect as applying lotion between the toes can create a moist environment, increasing the risk of fungal infections.

5. A nurse is caring for an older adult who has a nonpalpable skin lesion that is less than 0.5cm (0.2in) in diameter. Which term should the nurse use to document this finding?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Macule. A macule is a flat, nonpalpable skin lesion that is smaller than 1 cm in diameter. In this case, the lesion is less than 0.5cm, fitting the description of a macule. A papule (choice A) is a solid, elevated lesion less than 0.5 cm in diameter. A nodule (choice C) is a solid, elevated lesion that is 0.5 cm or larger in diameter. A tumor (choice D) refers to a mass of abnormal tissue growth, which is not applicable in this scenario.

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