Nursing Elites

1. You’re performing an abdominal assessment on Brent who is 52 y.o. In which order do you proceed?

• A. Observation, percussion, palpation, auscultation
• B. Observation, auscultation, percussion, palpation
• C. Percussion, palpation, auscultation, observation
• D. Palpation, percussion, observation, auscultation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct order for performing an abdominal assessment is observation, auscultation, percussion, and palpation.

2. During an abdominal assessment, a nurse finds pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis on a client. What finding should be reported to the physician?

• A. Concave, midline umbilicus
• B. Pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis
• C. Bowel sound frequency of 15 sounds per minute
• D. Absence of a bruit

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The presence of pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis could indicate an abdominal aortic aneurysm, which is a serious condition and should be reported to the physician promptly. A concave, midline umbilicus is a normal finding. Bowel sound frequency can vary widely and is not a cause for concern at 15 sounds per minute. Absence of a bruit is a normal finding in an abdominal assessment and does not require reporting.

3. Which of the following terms best describes the pain associated with appendicitis?

• A. Aching
• B. Fleeting
• C. Intermittent
• D. Steady

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Steady. The pain associated with appendicitis is typically constant and steady, especially in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. It is not described as aching (choice A) because it is more persistent and severe than a dull ache. It is not fleeting (choice B) as appendicitis pain tends to worsen over time. It is also not intermittent (choice C) as the pain is continuous and does not come and go.

4. The physician orders a Salem sump tube for gastrointestinal intubation. The nurse prepares for the insertion and obtains which of the following items from the supply room?

• A. A tube with a single lumen that connects to suction
• B. A tube with a large lumen and an air vent
• C. A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube
• D. A Dobbhoff weighted tube

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A tube with a large lumen and an air vent is a Salem sump tube. A tube with a single lumen is called a Levin’s tube. A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is used to control bleeding in the esophagus. A Dobbhoff weighted tube is used for feedings.

5. A nurse is performing an assessment on a client with a suspected diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The nurse assesses the client, knowing that which of the following is a hallmark sign of this disorder?

• A. Severe abdominal pain relieved by vomiting
• B. Severe abdominal pain that is unrelieved by vomiting
• C. Hypothermia
• D. Epigastric pain radiating to the neck area

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A hallmark sign of acute pancreatitis is severe abdominal pain that is not relieved by vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are common presenting symptoms, with vomitus typically consisting of gastric and duodenal contents. Hypothermia is not a hallmark sign of acute pancreatitis. Fever, typically less than 38 degrees centigrade, is more common. Epigastric pain radiating to the neck area is not a characteristic sign of acute pancreatitis. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer.

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