during an examination of a patients abdomen the nurse notes that the abdomen is rounded and firm to the touch during percussion the nurse notes a drum

NCLEX-RN

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1. During an examination of a patient’s abdomen, the nurse notes that the abdomen is rounded and firm to the touch. During percussion, the nurse notes a drum-like quality of the sounds across the quadrants. How would the nurse interpret this type of sound?

A. Constipation
B. Air-filled areas
C. Presence of a tumor
D. Presence of dense organs

Correct answer: Air-filled areas

Rationale: A musical or drum-like sound (tympany) is heard when percussion occurs over an air-filled viscus, such as the stomach or intestines. This indicates the presence of air-filled areas. Constipation, choice A, does not produce specific percussion sounds and is related to bowel movements rather than the sound produced during percussion. The presence of a tumor, choice C, would not typically produce a drum-like sound but might result in dullness or decreased resonance. Dense organs, choice D, would produce a dull thud sound rather than a drum-like tympanic sound.

2. When evaluating the temperature of older adults, what aspect should the healthcare provider remember about an older adult’s body temperature?

A. The body temperature of the older adult is lower than that of a younger adult.
B. An older adult’s body temperature is approximately the same as that of a young child.
C. Body temperature varies based on the type of thermometer used.
D. In older adults, body temperature can fluctuate widely due to less effective heat control mechanisms.

Correct answer: The body temperature of the older adult is lower than that of a younger adult.

Rationale: When evaluating the temperature of older adults, it is important to note that their body temperature is usually lower than that of younger adults, with a mean temperature of 36.2°C. Choice B is incorrect because an older adult's body temperature is not approximately the same as that of a young child. Choice C is incorrect because body temperature is a physiological parameter and does not vary based on the type of thermometer used. Choice D is incorrect because while older adults may have less effective heat control mechanisms, their body temperature is typically lower, not widely fluctuating.

3. When counting an infant’s respirations, which technique is correct?

A. Watching the chest rise and fall
B. Observing the movement of the abdomen
C. Placing a hand across the infant’s chest
D. Using a stethoscope to listen to the breath sounds

Correct answer: Observing the movement of the abdomen

Rationale: The correct technique for counting an infant's respirations is to observe the movement of the abdomen. Infants typically have more diaphragmatic breathing than thoracic, so watching the abdomen provides a more accurate count. Placing a hand on the chest or listening with a stethoscope can alter the infant's breathing pattern and provide inaccurate results. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect methods for counting an infant's respirations. By observing the movement of the abdomen, healthcare providers can accurately assess an infant's respiratory rate without influencing their breathing pattern.

4. A patient’s blood pressure is 118/82 mm Hg. The patient asks the nurse, “What do the numbers mean?” Which is the best reply by the nurse?

A. “The numbers are within the normal range and are nothing to worry about.”
B. “The bottom number is the diastolic pressure and reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes.”
C. “The top number is the systolic blood pressure and reflects the pressure of the blood against the arteries when the heart contracts.”
D. “The concept of blood pressure can be complex. The primary thing to be concerned about is the top number, or the systolic blood pressure.”

Correct answer: “The top number is the systolic blood pressure and reflects the pressure of the blood against the arteries when the heart contracts.”

Rationale: The systolic pressure is the maximum pressure felt on the artery during left ventricular contraction, or systole. The diastolic pressure is the elastic recoil, or resting, pressure that the blood constantly exerts in between each contraction. The nurse should answer the patient’s question in terms they can understand and not just say it is normal and there is nothing to worry about. The diastolic pressure is the pressure in the vessels when the heart is at rest, not the stroke volume. Both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure are important. Choice A is incorrect as providing a vague reassurance does not address the patient's query. Choice B is incorrect as it inaccurately describes the diastolic pressure as reflecting stroke volume, which is incorrect. Choice D is incorrect as it oversimplifies the explanation, focusing solely on the top number without providing a complete understanding of blood pressure.

5. Over a patient's lifespan, how does the pulse rate change?

A. starts out fast and decreases as the patient ages.
B. starts out slower and increases as the patient ages.
C. varies from slow to fast throughout the lifespan.
D. stays consistent from birth to death.

Correct answer: starts out fast and decreases as the patient ages.

Rationale: The correct answer is that the pulse rate starts out fast and decreases as the patient ages. In infants, the normal pulse rate is around 140 beats per minute, which then falls to an average of 80 beats per minute in adults. As individuals age, their pulse rate tends to decrease due to changes in cardiovascular function. Choice B is incorrect as the pulse rate typically decreases with age, rather than increases. Choice C is incorrect as there is a general trend of decreasing pulse rate as individuals age, rather than a continuous variation. Choice D is incorrect as the pulse rate does change over a patient's lifespan, starting fast in infants and decreasing as they age.