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

ATI RN

ATI Capstone Fundamentals Assessment Proctored

1. A nurse is preparing to perform a routine abdominal assessment. Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to auscultate bowel sounds. Auscultation should be performed before palpation during an abdominal assessment to avoid altering bowel sounds. Inspecting the abdomen is important but should follow auscultation. Percussion and palpation should be done after auscultation and inspection to ensure an accurate assessment.

2. A healthcare professional is planning to administer an intramuscular injection to a client. What muscle should the healthcare professional choose to avoid injury?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The ventrogluteal muscle is the preferred site for intramuscular injections to avoid injury. Choosing the ventrogluteal site reduces the risk of injury to major nerves and blood vessels, unlike the deltoid, rectus femoris, or dorsogluteal sites. The deltoid muscle is commonly used for vaccines but has a higher risk of injury due to its proximity to the radial nerve. The rectus femoris muscle is not recommended for intramuscular injections due to its location and the risk of injury. The dorsogluteal site is also not recommended as it poses a risk of injury to the sciatic nerve and superior gluteal artery.

3. A client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery is at risk for constipation due to which behavior?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Postoperative clients are at risk for constipation due to various factors, including decreased fluid intake. Insufficient fluid consumption can lead to hardening of stools, making them difficult to pass. Increased fiber intake (choice A) is actually beneficial for preventing constipation as it adds bulk to the stool. Frequent urge suppression (choice C) can contribute to constipation by disrupting normal bowel habits. Increased physical activity (choice D) generally helps promote bowel movements and reduce the risk of constipation.

4. A client with a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus needs instruction on foot care. What advice should the nurse provide?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Wear shoes at all times.' This instruction is crucial for clients with diabetes as it helps protect the feet from potential injuries. Choice A of soaking feet in warm water daily can lead to skin issues and should be avoided. Cutting toenails in a rounded shape, as mentioned in choice C, can increase the risk of ingrown toenails. While inspecting the feet weekly, as in choice D, is important, wearing shoes at all times is a more preventative measure to avoid foot injuries in diabetic clients.

5. A client at risk for pressure injuries is being cared for by a nurse. What intervention should the nurse implement?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client at risk for pressure injuries is to use a special mattress. Special mattresses help reduce the risk of pressure injuries by redistributing pressure on bony areas, thus preventing tissue damage. Keeping the client in one position (choice A) can actually increase the risk of pressure injuries due to prolonged pressure on specific areas. Turning the client every 4 hours (choice C) is important for preventing pressure injuries, but using a special mattress is a more effective intervention. Providing extra pillows for positioning (choice D) may offer some comfort but does not address the primary intervention of pressure redistribution that a special mattress provides.

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